Probes into editorial interference and sexual harassment at the SABC are under way. Two law firms will run the separate investigations.
Respected veteran journalist, Joe Thloeloe, will chair the inquiry into newsroom operations.
Media experts and trade union leaders have come out in support of the hearings that will run until the end of July.
The two inquiries are expected to set the tone.
The SABC’s troubles were laid bare at 2017 Parliamentary Adhoc committee hearings.
Among its 33 recommendations the public broadcaster has to interrogate the newsroom and probe any influence that may have been placed on its editorial integrity.
The second commission announced by the SABC will investigate sexual harassment in the workplace.
Acting Group CEO Nomsa Philiso says:”The inquiries are completely separate and two different law firms and two diff venues. They won’t be held in the SABC and independent panel and will not have any SABC people sitting on the panel.”
The public broadcaster has called on any affected party to submit information via email to: newsinquiry@sabc.co.za and sexandpersonalfav@sabc.za .
The submissions will be treated as confidential, close on the 15th of June.
Nomsa Philiso says:”One of the things we want to achieve is more about future proofing ourselves. This is not a witch-hunt. What we’re really saying is that we want to ensure it doesn’t happen again – a cleansing and repositioning.”
Media experts and union leaders have given the SABC’s interventions the thumbs up.
Media Monitor Africa William Bird says:”We’re seeing a Board and new entity that is seeking to explain and be transparent. Rather than one that seeks to think to know it all. That is positive.”
Six weeks have been set aside for the two hearings.
A report, expected to be finalised in August, will be made public.
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