SABC rejigs after ‘Mini Zuma’ gaffe

Editorial checks, balances increased

The SABC has introduced additional checks in its editorial structure after it was forced to apologise to ANC presidential hopeful Nkosazana DlaminiZuma over errors in its bulletins.

Acting group CEO Nomsa Philiso said the broadcaster has stepped up its editorial checks to ensure no similar mistakes took place.

She said a disciplinary process against a bulletin editor who was in charge when the errors occurred, was also under way.

Last week, Sowetan reported that Helga Wilson was demoted from her position for the errors. Two weeks ago, Philiso instituted an internal investigation into references made to Dlamini-Zuma as “Mini Zuma” and “Zuma ex-wife”.

Philiso, who did not mention the name of the affected editor, told Sowetan the investigation has found that “the same person” was involved in the two errors.

Duduetsang Makuse, the coordinator of public broadcasting lobby group the SOS Coalition, said she was “very cautious in celebrating the move”.

“On the surface, it might look like a good idea but we think the SABC’s first move should be to look at the existing structure with its checks and assess how the errors occurred,” she said.

The employee’s union, the Broadcasting, Electronic Media and Allied Workers’ Union (Bemawu) claimed Wilson committed “no wrongdoing”.

“If she [Dlamini-Zuma] does no longer want to be referred to as the president’s ex-wife, that needs to be communicated at the SABC,” Bemawu’s Hannes du Buisson said.