A broadcast by the Respondent wherein a programme presenter used the word “Makula” (Coolies) to refer to people of Indian descent.   The Tribunal held that the word “coolie”, given its historical apartheid context, amounted to a serious impairment of dignity by way of hate speech based on race. The tribunal also found that the word [...]

Two complaints were lodged with the BCCSA concerning a promo that showed scenes from real-life CCV footage of the sound of gunshots, a woman’s voice crying and “thieves” pointing their guns at victims during robberies in banks and shops. Though the violence portrayed was alleged to be essential to the development of a character and [...]

The complaint concerns a FOKUS programme in which the SABC allegedly did not grant The Landmark Foundation Trust a fair and reasonable opportunity to reply to allegations made against it by farmers concerning the issue of compensation for livestock losses as a result of leopard killings.  The Complainant is of the view that the SABC [...]

Legalwise, an insurer of legal costs, complained that the SABC, in its Speak Out programme had omitted to convey to viewers that it had no legal obligation to hand a cheque for damages won in a legal suit to a person whom it had insured against legal costs. It had merely done so on camera [...]

Complaint about a programme where the views of a pacifist Palestinian, Ali, were not countered, not upheld. The Tribunal agreed with the complainant that the relationship between Israel and the Palestinians is a controversial one. Ali’s views are, however, his own views and do not elevate the debate, as presented in this programme, to the [...]

Complaint about segment containing alleged hate speech against Pagan Witches. Complainant concerned that Witches have been negatively stereotyped and that a link between witches and evil in a popular programme such as 50/50 could lead to renewed witch persecutions and witch hunts.   The Tribunal held that presenters may express opinions as long as they are [...]

Similar complaints were lodged with the BCCSA in both cases, namely that adult material was broadcast at a time when children were part of the audience.  The representative of both television channels of the SABC admitted that the channels had violated the Code of Conduct.  The representative of both channels apologised for the infringements of [...]

Alleged defamatory sweeping statements contained in email that was read during programme. CLICK TO VIEW FULL ADJUDICATION    

AfriForum, a civil rights initiative, complained that the Respondent, by using the term Tshwane in its news broadcasts, was treating Pretoria differently and unequally to other cities in South Africa.  This, according to the complaint, was unfair reporting and it constituted a contravention of clauses 34.1 and 34.3 of the Code.  It appeared that Respondent, [...]

The word “fuckin” was heard by the complainant in a promo for a comedy. The promo was broadcast during a soap in family viewing time. The BCCSA Adjudicator’s decision was that the word was “fuckin” and that it was unacceptable at that time of the evening. The SABC was reprimanded.  On appeal the SABC argued [...]