Only SABC given access to crowded tarmac

THE SOUTH African National Editors Forum (Sanef) has expressed disappointed with the government for the selective treatment of media houses at yesterday’s handing over ceremony of the Nigerian building collapse victims.

With the exception of the SABC, media houses were not granted access to the tarmac of Waterkloof air force base.

“It’s disappointing to learn that there was no full access to all media as this is a national event and not a private affair to others,” said Sanef chairman Mpumelelo Mkhabela.

He said Sanef would take up the matter with the government.

Phumla Williams, speaking on behalf of the interministerial task team on Nigeria, said the South African National Defence Force could not accommodate all media houses.

“A compromise was made to allow one (media house/broadcaster) who would in turn provide the feed to other media houses,” she said.

Williams said the lack of space had even limited the number of invited guests. She added that the SANDF was strict about security.

Since 6am, more than 20 journalists had been at the officers’ mess, where they were supposed to collect accreditation for the day’s proceedings. Journalists were told that shuttle buses would transport them to the base, but on two occasions they boarded the buses, only to be told to alight. They were taken to the base just after noon. –