The SABC rejects DA’s new controversial election campaign advert

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will not broadcast the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s new election campaign that caused public outrage, this comes after SABC’s complaints specialist, Nyiko Shibambo wrote a letter to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) on 09 May 2024, rejecting the advertisement.

“The SABC has been monitoring the outcry from South Africans of all races condemning the advertisement which is currently in circulation in various media platforms. Likewise, the SABC believes that the advertisement encourages damage of treasured national symbols. The national flag is a national symbol which represents diverse symbols of the country and national unity.

Additionally, it is expected that the national flag should be accorded with dignity and respect. Thus, the flag is not a representation of a political party, but the nation at large.” The statement read.

SABC said it will only air the advertisement once it is has been amended.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also condemned the advertisement saying that the burning of the flag cannot be accepted and that it is treasonous. The President further said that any organisation that commits such an act, especially in the name of political expediency is an organisation that seeks to destroy our country’s unity and collective identity. “People died for the national flag. South Africans rally everyday around the national flag.” Said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Minister of Sports, Art’s and Culture, Mr Zizi Kodwa, has also condemned the advertisement, and said that he is considering taking further steps against the DA.

However, DA leader John Steenhuisen believes that the rejection of the advertisement by the SABC is a form of censorship.

“In an unprecedented attack on our democracy, deployed cadres at the SABC have banned the DA’s latest advertisement from the air to hide the truth of how the ANC has burnt our country to the ground. The DA will fight to the highest court in the land to defend our constitution,” Steenhuisen said.

He further explained that the censorship is not only a clampdown on dissent, but also provides a foretaste of the assault of the flag that will come under ANC/EFF Coalition.