Sanef says limiting Sakina Kamwendo's freedom of expression 'smacks of censorship'
The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) has issued a statement saying that the organisation is disturbed by the pulling of Sakina Kamwendo's show on SAFM, midway through the show and says it 'smacks of censorship'. Last week producers were instructed to take Kamwendo off air with immediate effect and fill the rest of the time with music. This was to be Kamwendo's last show as the host of SAFM's breakfast programme.
Sakina Kamwendo. Image credit: SAFM.
It recently emerged that Kamwendo was to be replaced on the show but had not been officially informed by station management. On Friday, management was purportedly unhappy that during the programme she explained the events leading up to the end of the show and her experience of it.
Extremely poorly handled
Sanef notes the encouraging progress that has been made at the public broadcaster as regards editorial openness.
We have noted these new green shoots over a number of months under the leadership of its interim and new board and with its new management appointments. Further, we have noted that it is certainly the prerogative of SABC management to make decisions about programming.However, Sanef belives believe this incident with the Forum at Eight was "extremely poorly handled and smacks of censorship".
They assert that Kamwendo should have been given the space to explain to her listeners what was happening as regards the end of her show. They add, "Limiting Kamwendo's freedom of expression in this blatant manner is a serious issue," and that Sanef would not want to see a return to the SABC’s days of censorship.
Sanef believes the media industry should support all women in the sector - especially what they call, "highly competent, courageous black women such as Kamwendo," as we need to ensure the diversity of voices in the industry.
Sanef will be engaging the SABC and station management on the matter.
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