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Johannesburg – The Right2Know (R2K) campaign on Friday vowed to continue protesting until SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng left the broadcaster.
The organisation met African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe at Luthuli House in Johannesburg during a picket against what it said was the political capture of the SABC.
A group of around 80 people joined the picket calling for Motsoeneng's removal.
R2K's media freedom and diversity organiser Micah Reddy told reporters they presented their demands to the ANC. The party reportedly said it viewed developments at the SABC in a serious light.
"We will not stop protesting until Hlaudi has left," Reddy said.
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He said the situation at the SABC was reminiscent of the broadcaster under National Party during apartheid. Recent editorial policy changes could only be viewed as censorship.
"Despite the massive backlash to the censorship, propaganda and purges at the SABC, Hlaudi Motsoeneng remains in his seat," the R2K said earlier.
Reddy said a board with no understanding of basic media ethics and which was a faction of the ruling elite was propping Motsoeneng up. This included Communications Minister Faith Muthambi. They were determined to control the media narrative ahead of the elections and protect President Jacob Zuma from the embarrassing consequences of his incumbency.
Motsoeneng has been widely criticised for his decision to no longer air footage of the destruction of property during protests.
Motsoeneng said on Monday that the SABC would challenge Icasa's ruling that the broadcaster had to reverse its policy.
