Sex probe at SABC

The SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will set up two commissions of inquiry to investigate “sex-for-jobs” allegations and interference with journalists’ work in newsrooms, as the scandal-ridden public broadcaster cleans up the house, acting CEO Nomsa Philiso said yesterday.

This follows recommendations by parliament’s communications committee to deal with editorial interference, as well as other allegations of misconduct, she said.

“This is also part of ongoing work to transform the public broadcaster into a truly accountable and responsive corporate entity.

“Regarding the sex-forjobs allegations, we can assure staffers confidentiality is guaranteed. The inquiry will extend to external people, such as suppliers and freelancers, to come forward if they were pressured to do favours in exchange of work,” Philiso said.

“We will also look at news diaries between 2012 and 2018, but will allow people to go back before 2012 if they have information to share with the inquiry ... that inquiry will not cover political diary influence only, but business influence, as well as NGOs ... we need to be beyond reproach as we head to elections.”

The sexual harassment inquiry will start today until end July. An e-mail address will be set up specifically for complainants.

Boxes will be available at SABC regional offices for victims to place written complaints. Every complainant would be able to state their case before the inquiry, said Philiso.

A judge would chair the sexual harassment inquiry, while the editorial interference probe will be led by director of the press council Joe Thloloe.

“We hope that we will be able to say we have cleansed ourselves of the first layers by the end of these inquiries ... this is also about resetting the tone of our value system,” said Philiso. – ANA

The sexual harassment inquiry will start today until end July. An e-mail address will be set up specifically for complainants.