Suitability of acting SABC news director questioned

Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) director Jane Duncan told Bizcommunity.com, “Phil Molefe is a very affable person and has been around at the SABC for a long time now, so he knows the ins and outs of the public broadcaster. However, the position requires someone with an exceptional news sense, which in turn demands a person with strong news management experience.

‘Two incidents stand out'

“On this level, it is difficult to say how Molefe will fare. But there are two incidents standing out in my mind that require us to watch his tenure as acting news head closely,” Duncan warned.

“The first incident involved a decision to can a Special Assignment documentary on witchcraft in 1999, followed by a controversial decision not to renew the contract of the then executive producer Max du Preez.”

Duncan said that Du Preez painted a less than flattering portrait of Molefe's conduct in his autobiography in relation to this issue.

She added, “He also identified him as part of a triumvirate of people (including Zikalala), who sought to exercise editorial authority over SABC current affairs products, such as Special Assignment, to an inappropriate degree and in a way that compromised the editorial integrity of the current affairs output.

“Did raise questions”

“It may be worth reminding the public of the details of this dispute, as it did raise questions about Molefe.”

The second incident, Duncan continued, involved what can only be described as the grovelling interview Molefe conducted with Robert Mugabe in 2003.

“In the light of these incidents, we should ask whether Molefe will run the news department without fear or favour, which is what is needed to restore the news department's editorial integrity.”

As Zikalala could testify, being the head of news and current affairs is undoubtedly one of the most challenging positions at SABC, and it takes just one ill-advised decision for the whole republic to call for your head to be served on the plate for supper. Certainly Molefe will have to think clearly to avoid Zikalala's ‘mistakes' and deliver the goods.

“One of the most challenging”

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) director William Bird said, “It would not surprise me if the first thing Phil did on hearing the news was to have a stiff drink. Irrespective of your political views this has to be one of the most challenging news positions anywhere in the world.

“I think from the word go you will be under fire, if you do what you consider the right thing you will come under fire from some, and if you give in and do something else you will come under fire from others.”

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