In addition to its R784-m deficit and the internal conflict between its executive management and board, beleaguered public broadcaster SABC has now been summoned to appear before the Complaints and Compliance Committee of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The hearings will take place on 11 and 12 March, in response to a complaint laid by the Freedom of Expression Institute. The interlocutory judgment of the CCC dated 15 November 2007 required FXI to provide evidence to the CCC that the South African Broadcasting Corporation has failed to comply with the Code of Conduct for broadcasters in its news and in its comment programmes during the period of alleged blacklisting of commentators.
The judgment further held that once evidence of such failure is placed before CCC, only then would the CCC be in a position to decide what course the inquiry should follow. The FXI has complied with the requirements of the interim judgment of the CCC and it is for this reason that the CCCwill hear arguments between SABC and FXI so that it can consider what steps, if any, to come to the conclusion on this complaint.
The hearings will commence at 10h00 on 11 and 12 March, at Block C Presentation Room, 164 Katherine Street, Sandton.
