CASE NUMBER: 13/2007 – MMINELE VS SABC RADIO – METRO FM – DEROGATORY TERM

Two complaints were lodged against the broadcaster: the first was that a presenter used the word “kaffir” on air and the second was that the same presenter remarked that the police was useless.  The broadcaster conceded that the use of the word “kaffir” was totally unacceptable and informed the Tribunal that it had taken serious disciplinary action against the presenter concerned, including sending him to the Human Rights Commission to educate him. First complaint is of serious nature and use of the word is transgression of the Code. First complaint is upheld but steps taken by Respondent are sufficient so that penalty need not be imposed.  As to second complaint, the ridiculing of police, this was pointed out on air by another presenter who was present during the program to be a generalization.   Disciplinary steps had also been taken against the presenter for this indiscretion.  The explanation given by broadcaster and steps taken by it were deemed by the Tribunal to be sufficient. The matter was deemed to be conciliated between the parties and no findings were made against Respondent.  The second complaint was not upheld.