Episode in series, Yizo Yizo, screened at 20:30 to 3 million viewers with Parental Guidance classification, held to have been a contravention of Broadcasting Code. Quite explicit scenes of heterosexual and homosexual sex, although short in duration, not acceptable viewing for teenagers. Broadcasts, which include this kind of material, should be screened well after the 21:00 watershed and with at least an age guidance of 16 and several oral on-air warnings.
BCCSA holding that the error had been a bona fide error and that the Respondent had considered the matter with due care before broadcasting the episode. Respondent officially reprimanded by BCCSA for the error as to age guidance, absence of sufficient oral warning, classification and time of broadcast. BCCSA directing SABC 1 to broadcast a summary of its judgment immediately after its evening news bulletin.
In general the BCCSA held that the episode amounted to a “ wake up call” to parents as to the realities of rape of school girls, the trauma and loneliness of such girls, the realities of prison life and the problems which confront teenagers on their own in the community. The episode also served to educate teenagers that prison was all but a garden party.
BCCSA observing that it is part of the educative task of the SABC to show reality and that the perception which some viewers have that the SABC should only show “good news”, is not justified. Complaints in this respect dismissed.