CASE NUMBER: 46/2006 – DU PREEZ BRINK AND THE FREEDOM FRONT PLUS VS SABC2 – NEWS – TSWANE

Complainants complained about inaccurate news reporting by the Respondent broadcaster when referring to places where events occurred, eg. “Onderstepoort, outside Tshwane”, “Mamelodi, east of Tshwane”, “Winterveldt, north of Tshwane” and “the city centre of Tshwane”.  In a decision by the Tribunal in May 2005 it was found that Respondent did not contravene the Code when using the name Tshwane.  Examples quoted above create the impression that the areas are outside the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality whereas they are all within the municipal area.  There is also not an entity or place by the name of City of Tshwane. The said descriptions are inaccurate and as such they constitute a contravention of Clause 34.1 of the Code.  Complaint thus upheld although no penalty imposed.  The Tribunal found no contravention of Clauses 34.2, 34.3 and 36.1 of the Code.