The Inkatha Freedom Party is shocked by recent reports of the summary termination of employment, without due process, of SABC specialist producer, Busisiwe Ntuli, and prominent parliamentary journalist, Lukhanyo Calata. This is the latest of a string of dismissals by the public broadcaster.
The IFP is again calling on the SABC to allow its journalists to work in an environment free of fear and intimidation and where they are able to report on news as it happens, in a balanced and objective manner, without being subjected to censorship.
"While the ruling party has tried to distance itself from the ever-unfolding crisis at the SABC, it must be reminded that the current inability of the Board to deal with the crisis must be squarely laid at their feet," said van der Merwe.
Political interference at the SABC has been ruthlessly built into the system and exploited by the ruling party. It's surprising that the ANC would now claim not to have any knowledge of where it all went wrong.
"The IFP has been part and parcel of appointing SABC Boards. Each time the most qualified, passionate South Africans have to make way for deployees of the ANC. Often, in the past, during negotiations between the ruling party and opposition parties, when a new name was put on the table, the ANC would first have to break to consult Luthuli House. We have experienced this process first hand," said van der Merwe.
The IFP thanks all SABC staff members who have spoken out about the dire conditions at the SABC. We thank all staff of the SABC for their hard work and dedication despite difficult circumstances.