The turmoil in the SABC will have a negative effect on opposition parties as we approach the August 3 Elections the IFP Youth Brigade has said.
IFPYB National Chairperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP was speaking at the IEC Code of Conduct Pledge Signing Ceremony in Ixopo, Sisonke District.
Hlengwa said, “Free and fair elections hinges on an environment which is conducive for all parties, citizens and societal sectors and which enable all to go about their business without the pervasive abuse of state machinery which gives advantage to some at the expense of others. The ongoing situation at the SABC grinds against the prospects of free and fair elections because the SABC as influential stakeholder in the electoral process must conduct its business in an acceptable manner. Currently what is happening is not acceptable by any measure or standard.”
Hlengwa called for mass societal action against the SABC “the silence of the IEC or ICASA or society in general as things deteriorate at the SABC will amount to electoral injustice and complicity of epic standards. We need the IEC to defend us as political parties from unfair treatment by the so-called public broadcaster in the interests of free and fair elections.”
In conclusion Hlengwa said “the noble ideals of multi-party democracy will disappear like dew before the morning sun if editorial policy becomes apartheid era style censorship. These elections hinge on fair and balanced reporting and ethical journalism.”
Contact:
Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MP
071 111 0539 or 076 521 3221
