SABC wants court to review Icasa ruling

Instead, it will approach the courts to have Icasa's decision reviewed.

Last week, Icasa which is mandated by the Constitution to regulate the broadcasting industry in the country, ordered the SABC to withdraw its decision, and gave the board seven days to confirm in writing that it has complied.

The seven days lapse on Monday.

"We submitted our response to Icasa on Friday, and we made it clear that we want the decision reviewed," SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said on Sunday.

"So, nothing has changed. Our decision not to show violent protests still stands until all the processes have been completed. We have a right to review the matter, and we have made it clear that we do not agree with Icasa's decision," he said.

Kganyago said the broadcaster was still to decide when to approach the courts.

Icasa council acting chairman Rubben Mohlaloga said last week the order was based on a recommendation made by Icasa's complaints and compliance committee, which had conducted a public hearing after lobby groups lodged a complaint against the SABC. The lobby groups argued the ban was meant to protect the image of the ANC, which they said was taking a knock from violent service delivery protests.

The SABC's decision not to broadcast footage of violent protests has been at the heart of a crisis gripping the organisation in recent times, amid allegations that controversial chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng was censoring news and purging those who disagreed with him.

SABC acting CEO Jimi Matthews resigned in June, saying he could no longer support the way the broadcasting corporation was being run. Motsoeneng said last week the broadcaster would appeal the Icasa ruling and that no outsider would tell the SABC what to do.

Icasa spokesman Paseka Maleka said on Sunday it had received the letter from the SABC, and the council would be applying its mind on its contents before responding.

"Icasa's decision can only be reviewed by the courts. Should the SABC decide to go to court, obviously the decision will be set aside until the matter is completed."

Source: Business Day