Johannesburg – Tuesday, 19 October 2021 -The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) joins the nation in commemorating Black Wednesday. This day marks the banning of The World and Weekend World newspapers along with numerous black political organizations on the 19th of October in 1977, as well as the subsequent detention of journalists and political activists.
Black Wednesday is a significant day in the South African media calendar, serving as a constant reminder of the vital role that media plays in promoting democracy in South Africa.
The SABC has made great strides in achieving media freedom following the repressive measures and contempt for freedom of expression displayed during the tumultuous time of apartheid. The public broadcaster has successfully reclaimed its rightful space as the primary news provider in the country following its repositioning with the tag line “Independent and Impartial” in 2018. It has also been an advocate for freedom of expression and media freedom which are fundamental cornerstones of our democracy.
Furthermore, the SABC has demonstrated unwavering commitment to ensuring that editorial principles of Independence and Impartiality are not compromised. Through its News and Current Affairs programming, the SABC continues to reaffirm its role and impact as a credible news provider, which abides by the principle of journalism, in providing news that is factual, accurate, fair, and objective. The commitment to uphold good journalistic principles and ethics has maintained the SABC News’ brand credibility and reputation.
On this day, it is important to reiterate the Corporation’s position in delivering unrivalled and unrestrained news and current affairs coverage independently and impartially. It is also befitting to acknowledge all the SABC journalists, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to deliver credible and impartial news to the South African citizenry.
With the looming local government elections, the SABC remains more committed to the realisation and promotion of media freedom whilst providing its audiences with news content that is accurate, fair and unrestrained.
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Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)
NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513
