CASE NUMBER: 18/2006 – BOER VS SABC2 – INTERRACIAL MARRIAGES

The Registrar received a complaint about a TV documentary broadcast at 21:00 on SABC2. The complaint was that by dealing with the possible problems of racial intermarriage, the broadcaster approached the matter as if the offspring were second or third rate. So called mixed races are a world wide phenomenon. As long as race and ethnicity exist, such “mixture” will, sadly, be part of civilization. The Constitutional hope is that this “mixture” approach to race and ethnicity will gradually disappear and that people will be judged and identified by their personalities and achievements. As long as this phenomenon exists, a broadcaster will be permitted to make programmes on the phenomenon; ask questions from those who are involved and provide viewers with their commentary. No subject is forbidden. The Tribunal came to the conclusion that the programme amounted to a bona fide documentary, that it supported the constitutional right of viewers to be informed and that there was no sign of bias. The mere fact that the intermarriage between races was discussed, does not, in any manner, demonstrate racism or hate speech against intermarriage and its effects. In fact, the documentary clearly shows that the relationships work well and that the partners have the same problems and ideals which other married couples have. The inference can also not be drawn that Coloureds are regarded as second or third class by the programme. In fact, the programme strived to demonstrate that in spite of reservations, all went well in these families. The complaint was not upheld.