IOL delves into the contentious allegations levied by former President Zuma against the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), claiming they obstructed an interview conducted on May 22. Zuma contended that this obstruction was part of a broader selective media ban targeting him. In response, the SABC vehemently denied these accusations, asserting their consistent coverage of Zuma’s political outfit, the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, since its inception. They underscored their ongoing efforts to engage with Zuma’s team for interviews, citing their extensive coverage of the party’s activities, including a rally held on May 18, 2024.
Furthermore, the SABC provided a detailed account of the events surrounding the purportedly blocked interview on May 22. According to their statement, Zuma’s team had contacted them to cover an announcement in Durban. While the SABC agreed to provide coverage and allocated time for the event, they noted that Zuma’s team was given less than 10 minutes for the interview and instructed not to pose any questions. Despite these limitations, Zuma reportedly reiterated statements made during the preceding rally, which had already been extensively covered by the SABC. This incident underscores the ongoing friction between media organizations and political figures, emphasizing the paramount importance of transparent and ethical journalism in upholding democratic principles.
