Statement on the present situation at the SABC
Posted on 12 May 2008 at 12h58
We the undersigned:
Support the role of the SABC as a public broadcaster who, together with independent filmmakers have the responsibility of ensuring quality public programming that reflects and builds our national identity-taking cognizance of the broader goals of social and economic development, nation-building and social cohesion.
- Believe that alleged political interference if proven to be true, has the potential to gravely undermine the mandate and role of the SABC as a public broadcaster.
- Have seen a particular pattern of leadership changes at the SABC, the impact of which was manifest in shifts and changes in vision in institutional orientation and management. We believe that some of these changes cannot be good for the mandate of the public broadcaster.
- Have witnessed a long-term dysfunctionality in policy and management, which has negative economic consequences on the entire creative industries.
- Believe the SABC is a national asset with a responsibility to mirror and reflect the cultural interests of the country. Recent events do not reflect the weight of this responsibility in the consciousness of contending forces.
- Are committed to ensure our democracy protects creative independence and nurtures the spirit to flourish given our diversity as African content providers.
We desire to see a speedy resolution of this crisis.
South African Screen Federation - representing 17 professional film and TV bodies and the Independent Producers' Organistion.
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