The Presidency has dismissed claims that it pressured the SABC to cancel the popular current affairs show Face the Nation
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
The Presidency has dismissed claims that it pressured the SABC to cancel the popular current affairs show Face the Nation, with spokesperson Vincent Magwenya labelling the allegations a “complete lie”.
This follows a Sunday Times report which claimed that some senior African National Congress (ANC) and government leaders were unhappy with the show’s tough interviews, particularly a recent exchange involving the Presidency, and that this may have influenced the decision not to renew the programme.
The show’s host, Clement Manyathela, has also confirmed that the programme will not be renewed when its contract comes to an end, saying he was informed of the decision by SABC management.
"I remain proud of the work we did on Face The Nation. Former Exec for News told us a year after we started that FTN brought in numbers on that slot that SABC has not seen in 4 years. We held power to account, asked tough questions even when it was uncomfortable. That work continues," Manyathela said on X.
According to Manyathela, SABC management informed him that the programme was being discontinued because the broadcaster could no longer afford to continue producing it, despite its performance and status as a flagship show.
Magwenya denied that the Presidency had anything to do with the decision, and called on Manyathela and the SABC to explain the real reasons behind the show’s cancellation.
"This is a complete lie. There was no political pressure on the SABC to cancel the show. @TheRealClementM and @SABCNews must come out and communicate the real reason for the cancelation of the show". Magwenya posted on X.
The SABC has since defended its decision, saying programming changes are part of routine annual reviews based on performance.
"Face the Nation like all our programmes had specific performance targets which were communicated with all the relevant parties involved. It is appalling that there are individuals who are now creating an impression that this specific programme is not recommissioned due to external influence,". the SABC said in a statement.
"SABC News has over the years built a strong and reputable brand which is credible and anchored on its principles and values of impartiality and independence. Our editorial decisions are not influenced by any external stakeholder"
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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