The Presidency has strongly denied allegations that it pressured the South African Broadcasting Corporation to cancel its flagship current affairs show Face the Nation.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya dismissed the claims as “a complete lie”, insisting there was “no political pressure” on the SABC and calling on both the broadcaster and host Clement Manyathela to disclose the real reason behind the show’s cancellation.
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The denial follows reports that senior ANC and government figures were unhappy with Manyathela’s tough interviewing style, particularly after a January interview in which he questioned decisions by Cyril Ramaphosa and the handling of the Madlanga Commission report and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
However, Magwenya said the interview was “robust… but never harsh” and confirmed he had not lodged any complaints.
“The interview was robust, as always and as expected, but it was never harsh. I have done many interviews with Clement, he is always robust, but he is never harsh or unfair, at least in my experience,” Sunday Times quoted Magwenya as saying.
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“I don’t go onto radio or television shows expecting to be treated with kid gloves. I did not complain about my experience on Face the Nation with Clement, nor did I raise any discomfort with anyone in government or at the SABC about the interview on that day.”
While the SABC maintains the show was cancelled due to financial constraints and routine programming reviews, the Presidency has rejected any suggestion of political interference, as debate continues over the role of government influence at the public broadcaster.
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
First published on African Insider
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