SABC Editorial
Policies 2020

 

About the Policies



 

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction 

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2. 

The SABC’s Mandate 

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2.1 
2.2 
2.2.1 
2.2.2 
2.2.3 

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3
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3. 

The Editorial Code
3.1 
3.2 

4. 

Powers, Functions, Rights and Obligations 
Core Editorial Values  
The Constitution 
SABC as a Public Service Entity 
Core SABC Editorial Values 

 

4

Editorial Responsibility and Upward Referral 
Mandatory Referral 

Policy on Programming and Publishing
4.1 
Content Approach 
4.1.1  Guiding Principles 
4.1.2  Audience Engagement in Programming and Publishing 
4.1.3  Taste, Decency, Hate Speech and Graphic Content 
4.1.4  Audience Advisories 
4.1.5  Screening of Films 
4.2 
Digital Content and Publishing 
4.2.1  Production and Publication of Digital Content 
4.2.2  User-Generated Content (UGC) 
4.2.3  Digital Media Guidelines 
4.2.4  Guidelines for Official SABC Digital Media Accounts 
4.2.5  Guidelines for Personal Digital Media Accounts 
4.3 
Scheduling and the Watershed Period 
4.4 
Discrimination and Stereotypes 
4.4.1 Disability 
4.4.2 Race 
4.4.3 Gender 
4.4.4 Violence 
4.4.5  Privacy, Dignity and Reputation 
4.4.6  Grief, Suffering and Distress 
4.4.7  HIV/AIDS - Medical Conditions 
4.5 Children 
4.6 
Sex, Nudity and Pornography 
4.7 
Content Sponsorship 
4.8 Infomercials 

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 Table Of Contents

5. 

6. 

Policy on News and Editorial Content

 

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5.1 
Introduction  
5.2 
Editorial Independence and Impartiality 
5.3 
Editorial Guidelines  
5.4 
Protected Comment 
5.5 
Language and Tone in News 
5.6 Interviewing 
5.7 
Analysts, Experts and Specialist Commentators 
5.8 
Investigative Journalism 
5.9 
Paying for Information 
5.10 
Opinion Surveys in News Content 
5.11 
Protection of Sources 
5.12 
Gender, Children and Under-Represented Communities 
5.13 
Privacy and Dignity 
5.14 
Reporting on Suffering and Distress 
5.15 
National Events and Schedule Changes 
5.16 
Live Productions  
5.17 
Allocation of Resources  
5.18 
Universal Access to News Content 
5.19 
Guidelines for Equitable Treatment of Language in News 
5.20 
Election Broadcasts 
5.21 
Restrictions on Sponsorship of News-Related Content 

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Language Policy on Content

 

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6.1 Introduction 
6.2 
Statement of Commitment 
6.3 
Aims and Objectives 
6.4 
Scope of the Policy 
6.5 
Language in National Events Coverage 
6.6 
Language in Content Offerings 
6.7 
Operating Principles 
6.8 
Language in Radio Content and Services 
6.9 
Content Guidelines 
6.10 
Language in News and Information Services 
6.11 
Language in Children’s Content 
6.12 
Allocation of Resources for Language Services 
6.13 
Language Services and Universal Access  
6.13.1  Languages on Television 
6.13.2  Guidelines for Equitable Treatment of Languages 
6.13.3  Language Access and Television Content 
6.13.4  Unilingual and Multingual Content 
6.13.5  Language Access and Television News 
6.13.6  Language Access and National Events Coverage 
6.13.7  Language Access and Children’s Programmes 
6.13.8  Language Access and Drama 
6.13.9  Language Access and People with Disabilities  
6.13.10  Language Access and Allocation of Resources 
6.13.11  Languages and Universal Service and Access 
6.13.12  Language Access and Research 
6.13.13  Language Access and Technology 
6.13.14  Relationships with other Organisations 
6.13.15  Monitoring and Implementation  

7. 

Universal Service and Access Policy
7.1 
7.2 
7.3 

Context of this Policy 
Scope of the Policy 
Monitoring and Implementation 

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 Table Of Contents

8. 

Policy on Local Content

 

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8.1 Introduction 
8.2 
Requirements and Commitments 
8.3 
Scope of the Policy 
8.4 
Local Content on Television 
8.4.1  Definition of Local Television Content 
8.4.2  Definition of Independent Production 
8.4.3  Local Content Quotas for Television 
8.4.4  Television Compliance with Quotas 
8.4.5  SABC’s Local Content Approach on Television 
8.5 
Local Content on Radio 
8.5.1  Definition of South African Music 
8.5.2  Radio Quotas for South African Music  
8.5.3  Radio Compliance with Quotas 
8.5.4  The SABC’s Approach to South African Music on Radio 
8.6 
Monitoring and Implementation 

9. 

Policy on Religious Content

 

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9.1 Introduction 
9.2 
Nature of Religious Content 
9.3 
Scheduling of Religious Content 
9.4 
Paid Broadcasting and Religious Content 
9.5 
Community Faith Committee (CFC) 
9.6 
Monitoring and Implementation 

10.  Policy on Educational Content

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10.1 Introduction 
10.2 Objectives 
10.3 
Key Principles 
10.4 
Scope of the Policy 
10.5 
Guidelines for Implementation 
10.6 
Guidelines for Scheduling Educational Content 
10.7 
Advertising and Educational Content 
10.8 
Public Mandate Aspects in Educational Content 
10.8.1  Early Childhood Development 
10.8.2  Children at Home 
10.8.3  Formal Education 
10.8.4  Youth Development 
10.8.5  Adult and Human Resources Development 
10.8.6  Public Education 
10.9 
Research to Support Educational Content 
10.10  Monitoring and Implementation 

11.  Complaints Management Processes
11.1 
11.2 
11.3 
11.4 
11. 

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Complaints Lodged with the BCCSA 
Complaints Lodged with Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) 
Complaints Related to Contravention of SABC Editorial Policies 
Complaints Related to Contraventions of the Press Code 
Review of the Editorial Policies 

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12. Acknowledgements 

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13.  List of Acronyms 

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CONTENT
 THAT
INSPIRES

 
 
 

1

1. Introduction
In terms of Section 6 of the Broadcasting Act 4 of 1999 (the Act), the SABC is required to
develop policies that are intended to ensure compliance with the Authority’s Code of Conduct,
the Corporation’s licence conditions, and the provisions of the Act. The SABC’s Editorial Policies
(the policies), covering news and editorial content, programming and publishing content, local
content, educational content, universal service and access, language, and religious content,
are to be submitted to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) for
compliance.
This document is a compilation of the policies, which the
SABC requires to guide it in discharging its public service
mandate. The policies represent how the Board gives
shape to and interpret the SABC’s public broadcasting
mandate, and provide a framework for decision-making
by editorial staff.
The policies relate to all SABC content, and to services for
both national and international audiences. They apply to
all the services, irrespective of whether they are carried
on radio, television or digital media. The applicability
of the policies extends to both the SABC’s public and
commercial services with varying intensity, depending
on the specific issues being dealt with. Where they have
particular relevance to either portfolio, this is stated.
Where the policies refer to particular designations,
these may change from time to time, and in the case of
this happening, action flowing from the policies should
involve the appropriate and relevant personnel at that
time.
The policies are intended to help all staff make
informed decisions on editorial issues, so that distinctive,
compelling and sometimes controversial content can be
produced, scheduled, broadcast and published, while
maintaining the highest ethical and editorial standards.
All SABC employees, regardless of geographical
location, are therefore required to study, understand
and ensure compliance with these policies. The policies
are also intended to inform stakeholders, suppliers and

members of the public about the editorial positioning
of the SABC, and how editorial decisions are taken.
The SABC recognises that full compliance with its
policies depends on the professionalism, competence,
skills and commitment of its staff. On-going professional
development of SABC staff is therefore a crucial part of
the implementation of these policies. The SABC also
assesses regularly the professional developmental needs
arising from the implementation of these policies, in
order to develop appropriate and on-going professional
developmental programmes.
The policies have been approved by the Board of the
SABC after being developed by the SABC’s Policy and
Regulatory Affairs Department, in collaboration with
the heads of all the different programming services and
platforms, after an extensive, public consultative process
in line with the SABC’s public mandate. Questions on
any aspects of the policies should be directed to the
Policy and Regulatory Affairs Department at Policy@
sabc.co.za OR (011) 714-3927.
Whereas certain policies apply to specific content and
services areas, all the policies should be read together
with Chapter 2: The SABC’s Mandate and Chapter
3: Policy on Programming and Publishing. All the
informational and actuality content, whether it is
produced by SABC News or not, should conform to the
Policy on News and Editorial Content and the Policy on
Content Programming and Publishing.

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2. The
2.1 

The SABC’s Mandate

SABC’s Mandate

Powers, Functions, Rights and Obligations

The SABC’s mandate and objectives as a public
broadcaster are defined by the Charter which is set out
in Chapter IV of the the Act, and requires the SABC to
encourage the development of South African expression
by providing, in all official languages, a wide range of
programming that:
2.1.1 

Reflects South African attitudes, opinions, ideas,
values and artistic creativity;
2.1.2  Displays South African talent in educational,
informative and entertainment content;
2.1.3  Offers a plurality of views and a variety of news,
information and analysis from a South African
point of view; and
2.1.4  Advances the national and public interest.
The SABC’s powers and functions, as well as its rights
and obligations, are derived from a number of sources
in addition to the Charter, namely: 2.1.5 Legislation;
2.1.6  The licence conditions of all the SABC’s
broadcasting services platforms, and regulations
issued by ICASA from time to time;
2.1.7  The Code of Conduct for Broadcasters
administered by the Broadcasting Complaints
Commission of South Africa (BCCSA); and
2.1.8  The Press Code administered by the Press
Council and the Press Ombudsman.
South Africa’s broadcasting legislation provides for a
three-tier licensing structure for broadcasting services:
public, commercial and community.
The SABC is South Africa’s only public service media
entity, and for public accountability purposes consists
of two separate divisions controlled by the Board: a
public service division and a commercial service division,
in each of which the SABC runs a number of radio
stations, television channels and digital platforms. Each
has a set of licence conditions that imposes obligations,
including quotas for local content, and requirements for
geographical coverage and language services. These are
laid down by ICASA in the compliance Procedure Manual

of 2011, which is used for monitoring compliance with
the licence conditions, and the objectives of the Charter.
Like all other public service media, the SABC is required
to adhere to a Code of Conduct for Broadcasters that
is approved by ICASA. As a member of the National
Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the SABC is subject to
the rules of the BCCSA which ensures that broadcasters
adhere to certain minimum standards of broadcast
content. Also, owing to its bouquet of digital platforms,
the SABC is a member of the Press Council which ensures
adherence to minimum standards of digital media
content.
A central tenet of the SABC’s Charter is that it enjoys
freedom of expression and journalistic, creative and
programming independence. The SABC Board, which
is appointed by the President of the Republic of South
Africa on the advice of the National Assembly, controls
the affairs of the SABC and is mandated explicitly to
protect the Corporation’s freedom and independence as
set out in the Charter.
2.2 

Core Editorial Values

Public service media worldwide share many features
relating to independence, accountability and diversity.
However, in the context of the SABC, there are unique
facets that also determine its positioning. These relate
to South Africa’s challenges as a relatively young
democracy and a society in transition.
2.2.1 

The Constitution

These challenges are captured neatly in the preamble
to the Constitution, which sets out the objectives of the
South African constitution being to:
2.2.1.1 heal the divisions of the past and establish
a society based on democratic values, social
justice and fundamental human rights;
2.2.1.2  lay the foundations for a democratic and open
society in which government is based on the
will of the people and every citizen is equally
protected by the law;
2.2.1.3  improve the quality of life of all citizens and
free the potential of each person; and

 The SABC’s Mandate

2.2.1.4  build a united and democratic South Africa able
to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in
the family of nations.

3

to make editorial decisions on programming, scheduling
and publishing content.
2.2.3.3 Nation-Building

2.2.2 

SABC as a Public Service Entity

These national objectives therefore underpin the values
and principles that define the SABC’s role as a public
service media entity, that is:

The SABC celebrates South Africa’s national identity and
culture, and provides its citizens with the information
they need to participate in building our democracy
2.2.3.4  Diversity and Inclusivity

2.2.2.1  to play a part in healing divisions of the past;
2.2.2.2  to promote respect for democratic values and
human rights;
2.2.2.3  to provide information that allows citizens to
exercise their rights; and
2.2.2.4  to reflect the rich diversity of a united South
Africa.
The values articulated in the Constitution, including
national development, unity, diversity, non-racialism,
non-sexism, democracy and human dignity, represent
those things that are commonly considered by South
Africans to be crucial. They bridge political, class, racial
and gender divides, and anchor the diverse people of
South Africa as a nation. For the SABC, these values
must form the foundation of its editorial policies.
2.2.3 

Core SABC Editorial Values

Among the core editorial values for the SABC are:

The SABC reflects South Africa’s diverse thoughts,
languages, cultures, provinces and people in its
programmes.
2.2.3.5  Human Dignity
The SABC respects the inherent dignity of all South
Africans, reflects them in all their diversity, and does
not use language or images that convey stereotypical or
prejudiced notions of South Africa’s races, cultures and
sexes.
2.2.3.6 Accountability
In discharging their editorial responsibilities, SABC
management and staff are accountable to the South
African citizens and the SABC Board. The Corporation’s
Board is charged with ensuring that the SABC complies
with the Charter and delivers on its public interest
obligation.

2.2.3.1 Equality
2.2.3.7 Transparency
The SABC provides relevant and useful content for
everyone, in all official languages, and promotes
universal access to its services. The SABC commits to
treat South Africans equally, both as news subjects,
sources of content and consumers of content.

The SABC ensures that the principles of honesty,
openness and transparency govern all editorial decisions
and every aspect of the public broadcaster’s relationships
with the shareholder, stakeholders, suppliers and the
public.

2.2.3.2  Editorial Independence
The SABC is governed by the Charter of the Corporation,
which enshrines the journalistic, creative, programming
and publishing independence of the staff of the
corporation, and the constitutionally protected right to
freedom of expression. In this regard, SABC journalists, its
editorial and programming staff, enjoy the prerogative

The core values referred to above are foundational
to the SABC Editorial Code which informs all content
production, processing and dissemination across radio,
digital and television platforms. The Editorial Code
was first approved by the SABC Board in 1993 and has
since evolved to incorporate current developments in
the broadcasting and publishing environments, and
changes in the technological environment and the law.

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3. The

The Editorial Code

Editorial Code

The Editorial Code affirms commitment to the principle
of editorial independence as it relates to SABC content.
It enjoins the employees of the public broadcasting
service to:
a.  report, contextualise, and present news and current
affairs honestly by striving to disclose all the essential
facts, and by not suppressing relevant, available
facts, or distorting through misrepresentation or
improper emphasis;
b.  understand that if South Africa is to build an
informed nation and a strong democracy, its citizens
must have access to relevant, credible, and timely
information of the best quality;
c.  commission, produce, broadcast and publish content
in a variety of genres and formats, and ensure that
the SABC’s core values are upheld in commissioning,
acquisition and production of programmes;
d.  be mindful of the danger of furthering discrimination,
and avoid promoting discrimination through the
SABC’s content offerings on the grounds of gender,
race, language, culture, political persuasion, class,
sexual orientation, religious belief, marital status,
or disability;
e. not allow commercial, political or personal
considerations and prejudices to influence editorial
decisions.
The SABC is expected to provide
information and as part of this duty should evaluate,
analyse and critically appraise government policies
and programme;
f. consciously and vigilantly exercise editorial
independence in executing decisions in all its
content, taking into account that the SABC is not
the mouthpiece of the government of the day or a
state broadcaster, but covers the government and
its programmes in the interest of the South African
public;
g.  be free from obligation to any interest group and to
prioritise its public interest obligation;
h.  respect individuals’ legitimate right to privacy, and
avoid intrusion into private lives, grief and distress,
unless it is justified by overriding considerations of
public interest;
i.  be circumspect and sensitive in broadcasting and
publishing any form of brutality, violence and
human catastrophes;

j.  always seek to achieve balance by presenting
a diversity of views in all content that requires
impartiality. While fairness may not always be
achieved in a single programme or content offering,
it should be done within reasonable time and be
guided by news value and editorial merit in reaching
editorial judgements. Fairness does not require
editorial staff to be unquestioning, nor require the
SABC to give every side of an issue the same amount
of time;
k. be enterprising in perceiving, pursuing and
presenting issues that affect individuals and society,
in the quest to fulfil the public’s right to know;
l.  not accept gifts, favours, free travel, or other special
treatment or privileges that could compromise the
integrity of the public broadcasting service;
m.  disclose personal identity and that of the SABC
before obtaining any information intended for
programming. As a general obligation, all forms
journalism should be conducted transparently.
Discreet and covert methods may be used only with
due regard to their legality, considerations such as
fairness and invasion of privacy, and whether the
information being sought is so significant and in the
public interest that it warrants public disclosure but
cannot be obtained by other means;
n.  resolutely uphold the principle of journalistic
freedom and treat protection of sources as an
important part of this principle. In the event that
protection of a source becomes a legal matter, court
orders cannot be disobeyed however, the SABC shall
provide legal service to argue for protection of the
source;
o.  correct any inaccuracies and misrepresentation in
content timeously;
p.  provide opportunities for open dialogue with
audiences across all SABC’s broadcasting and
publishing platforms;
q.  tell stories from a South African perspective and
deal with issues that are important to the public,
including local, continental and global matters,
and giving these proper context reflecting all
complexities;
r.  support and preserve South African culture by
providing content that is observably and uniquely
South African, that encourages sharing of

 The Editorial Code

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editorial independence of the newsroom, and
editorial integrity of SABC News. While final
editorial responsibility rests with the Group
Executive of News and Current Affairs, with
no upward referral of editorial decisions to the
GCEO, the Group Executive of News and Current
Affairs is still accountable to the GCEO for the
overall performance of the news division.

experiences, that nurtures a national identity and
promotes nation building;
s.  be a truly independent public service media entity,
showcasing South African life in a holistic manner;
and
t.  provide a fully diverse content bouquet catering
to a variety of tastes, and reflecting the colourful
make-up of South African life including languages,
cultures and geographical considerations.
3.1 

Editorial Responsibility and Upward Referral

3.1.1 

The scope of the public service mandate means
that the SABC has to provide consistent, relevant,
useful and high-quality content, including
information and analysis. To strengthen and
deepen public trust, SABC editorial staff should
maintain the highest editorial and professional
standards. Consistently, the SABC requires its
editorial staff to understand that with the
legislated and constitutional protection of
the Corporation’s independence comes the
responsibility to serve the public with the
highest standards of excellence and integrity.

3.1.2 

Accordingly, the onus is on individual Producers,
Executive Producers, Editors and Commissioning
editors to ensure that they understand and
uphold the provisions of the the Act, including
the Charter of the SABC, the Editorial Code,
the BCCSA Code of Conduct for Broadcasters
as outlined by the Broadcasting Complaints
Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), the ICASA,
and the Press Council of South Africa (PCCSA)
Code of Ethics and Conduct, known as the Press
Code. As a rule, and as a matter of policy, the
authority for editorial decisions is vested in the
editorial staff with the Group Executive of News
and Current Affairs designated as the Editor-inChief of all SABC News services and platforms.

3.1.3 

Subject to standard management and editorial
controls, Executive Producers, Editors and
Commissioning Editors are responsible for
the production of content and editorial
control. Should any difficulty arise during the
production or publishing of content, or the
producer or editor be unsure of anything, they
should consult their supervisor for guidance.
This process of voluntary upward referral could
extend as far as the Group Executive of News
and Current Affairs in his/her capacity as Editorin-Chief. The Group Chief Executive Officer
(GCEO) has delegated responsibility, and holds
the Group Executive of News and Current
Affairs accountable for the performance of all
news-related content on all news platforms, the

3.1.4 

The SABC views upward referral as a mutually
empowering, nurturing and developmental
approach for all the staff involved. It is not
intended to shift editorial decision-making
upwards; but intended, when required, to
underpin collective decision-making and shared
editorial responsibility, especially when staff are
faced with difficult decisions, and to underscore
the
interdependence
between
SABC’s
management and that of its editorial staff.
Upward referral is not intended to disallow
production, broadcasting and publishing of
controversial and compelling content; it is
intended to assist in maintaining the highest
ethical and editorial standards.

3.1.5 

When used effectively, upward referral should
be a seamless and flexible process. The earlier it
is activated, the better, as this allows alternatives
to be considered at the outset, instead of later,
when few options are open. It is an approach
that is taken by the world’s premier public
service media. It assumes that editorial staff
are familiar with the functions, duties and
values of the public news service, and are in the
best position to make editorial decisions. The
practice of upward referral gives journalists
and other editorial staff an ideal mechanism
for consultation, first with peers, and then with
senior management, before taking decisions.

3.1.6  Even when specific editorial advice is not
asked for, programmes or news items that are
controversial, or likely to have an extraordinary
impact, or where significant ethical dilemmas
warrant more inclusive consideration, should
be reported in advance to the Editor-inChief. Should an Executive Producer, Editor or
Commissioning Editor not refer an issue upward
to their immediate supervisor, they would be
held accountable for the editorial decision
made.
3.1.7  Editorial staff should seek advice from the
Legal Department on any matter that may have
legal implications for the SABC. In addition,
Legal Guidelines for editorial staff are available
from the Legal Department and it is incumbent

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upon all staff to familiarise themselves with
its provisions. However, the final decision on
whether to broadcast and publish, and in what
form, lies with the editorial staff. The aim is
to safeguard the independence of editorial
process, and maintain clear responsibility for
the decision to broadcast.
3.1.8 

Independent content produced for the SABC
is subject to the same rigorous standards as
in-house productions, and has to comply with
SABC editorial policies, as final responsibility for
the content lies with the SABC. In this regard, all
contracts with independent producers and other
content providers must include the obligation
to conform to all the appropriate sections of the
SABC Editorial Policies. The point of referral for
independent producers is the appropriate SABC
Executive Producer, Editor or Commissioning
editor.

3.1.9 

Through the News and Editorial Subcommittee,
the SABC Board shall exercise oversight to:

a.  protect the public broadcaster’s editorial and
programming independence as set out in the
Editorial Policies; and
b.  ensure accountability for the compliance and
adherence with these Editorial Policies, taking
into account that management retains operational
responsibility for the enforcement of the policies
across the Corporation.
3.2 

Mandatory Referral

As a rule, matters of sensitive and controversial nature
including the following, must be referred to the relevant
Editor or line management:
3.2.1 

An instance in which it becomes necessary and
is deemed to be in the public interest to gather
information to which the public normally does
not have access;
3.2.2  Interviews with criminals and people wanted by
police;
3.2.3  Proposals to grant anonymity to people trying
to evade the law;
3.2.4  Broadcasting or publishing of any recording
made originally for other legal purposes, such
as recordings of the proceedings at a meeting;
3.2.5  Disclosure of the details of a serious crime that
were obtained surreptitiously or unofficially;
3.2.6  Requests from external parties to view, listen to,
or obtain recorded material that has not been

The Editorial Code

broadcast or published;
3.2.7  Conducting interviews with prisoners for
broadcast without the permission of prison
Authorities;
3.2.8  Showing or featuring people in a live
transmission for entertainment purposes using
hidden cameras; and
3.2.9  Featuring a real person in a drama where their
permission or that of their surviving relatives
has not been secured.

  

PROGRAMMING

THAT TALKS
TO ME

    

 

   

8

Programming

4. Policy

on Programming
and Publishing
Preamble
By virtue of its mandate, the SABC accounts to the
South African public in providing high-quality, credible,
relevant and diverse content offerings guided by:
a. 
b. 
c. 
d. 
e. 
f. 
g. 

The SABC Charter;
The SABC’s Core Editorial Values;
The SABC’s Editorial Code;
The BCCSA Code;
The Press Code;
ICASA Regulations; and
ICASA Licence Conditions as set out in the individual
licences for respective radio and television services.

In prioritising the need to fulfil its public interest
obligation, it is imperative for all SABC content
productions, programing and publishing services
to create an environment that respects freedom of
expression as enshrined in the country’s Constitution,
and that encourages producers to explore all facets of
South African life without interference and adhering to
the highest ethical standards.
4.1 

Content Approach

4.1.1 

Guiding Principles

The SABC’s approach to its content offerings is guided
by the following principles:
4.1.1.1 The premise of the SABC’s mandate is to
deliver credible content aimed at
informing,
educating and entertaining its audiences, and
the public in general. In exercising its journalistic
creativity and to safeguard its reputation, the
SABC has to adhere to the highest standards
of independence, impartiality and editorial
integrity.
4.1.1.2 In its obligation to educate, inform and
entertain, the SABC must, without fail, always act
in the public interest in conducting its business,
content offerings, and in executing editorial
decisions. While public interest is, expectedly,
viewed as a fluid concept, considerations
include freedom of expression; being ethical,
providing content that enables people to

make informed decisions on matters of public
importance and their private lives; exposing
criminal activities, damaging social behaviour,
corruption, injustice, significant negligence and
incompetence without hindrance.
4.1.1.3  All content offerings must be informed by the
SABC’s core editorial values of equality, plurality
of views, nation building, diversity, inclusivity,
human dignity, accountability and transparency.
These are applicable to the entire value chain,
that is, commissioning of content, acquisition of
content from agencies and production houses
and in-house productions, scheduling and
publishing of content
4.1.1.4  Viewed collectively, all content services must
aim to meet the needs of all of the SABC’s
audience segments. This extends to young and
old, children in particular, urban and rural in
all the provinces. While it may not always be
possible to achieve full coverage of the country
as determined by various constraints, concerted
effort must be made to offer a wide range of
information, educational and entertainment
content, in different genres and formats, that
appeals to a variety of interests and preferences
4.1.1.5 In delivering content of highest editorial
standard across all services and genres, the SABC
has to uphold its editorial independence and
promote freedom of expression in providing
factual content, as well as accurate, impartial
and ethical news and current affairs services.
4.1.1.6 While freedom of expression enables the
sharing of information and ideas without
state, commercial or political interference, and
encourages critical expression and engagement,
it also carries responsibilities and is subject
to legal restrictions and limits. In exercising
freedom of expression, the SABC must also offer
appropriate protection to vulnerable groups,
and avoid causing unwarranted insensitivity
and discomfort.
4.1.1.7 The SABC has a specific obligation towards
coverage and reflection of children and young
people in its news and general content. It must
determinedly ensure that the best interest of
the child is respected, including ensuring that
their rights are protected and their voices

 Programming

are heard, taking into account the evolving
capacity of the child. Necessary care and ethical
considerations must be taken when they are
featured in content, to protect their dignity as
well as their physical and emotional welfare.
4.1.1.8 Through its content, the public service
media entity is obligated to encourage the
development of South African expression and
showcase the country’s talent.
4.1.1.9  Given South Africa’s history, the SABC has the
responsibility to represent and reflect fully the
story of its people, communities, and the nation
within its local, regional and global context,
fairly and diversely
The SABC’s approach to its content offerings is further
expanded in the Policy on Local Content and the
Language Policy. It is also complemented by policies
for specific genres including news and current affairs,
educational and religious content.
4.1.2 

Audience Engagement in Programming and
Publishing

4.1.2.1 Phone-ins, discussion or debates and online
engagements are an accepted and important
means of audience participation, as they
enable the public to participate in the national
discourse or comment on matters of national
and personal interest. However, the hosts or
moderators are expected to take special care
to uphold the SABC’s editorial principles of
impartiality and independence, and to ensure
that diverse views are accommodated across
platforms.
4.1.2.2  Hosts or moderators should steer callers and
guests away from making comments that may
be against the law, SABC policies the BCCSA
and Press Codes, and reprimand or contradict
them tactfully, when necessary. It is important
to ensure, as far as possible, that audience
engagement opportunities do not become
a focus or platform for organised pressure
groups and irresponsible individuals. A short
pre-interview by a “screener” should be used
for these purposes. A record is to be kept of
the names of all the speakers and their contact
information, and retained for at least 30 days.
4.1.2.3  When written comments are received, hosts or
moderators should be vigilant and acknowledge
them. The prescribed minimum requirement for
subtitling, audio captioning, audio description
and closed captioning is over a period of 10
years, for each tier of broadcasting. Cases of
factual inaccuracies or violations of regulations
and the law or SABC policies must be pointed
out.
4.1.2.4 
Since phone-ins, discussions and online
audience engagements are not scientific ways
of surveying public opinion on any matter, there
should be no suggestion, explicit or implicit,

9

that the views from such reflect wider public
opinion. More on this subject is set out in the
Policy on News and Editorial Content.
4.1.3 

Taste, Decency, Hate Speech and Graphic
Content

Issues of taste, decency, hate speech and graphic
material in content offerings are often regarded as
controversial in that they involve judgements based
on a variety of influences including personal opinion,
religious, political and cultural persuasions, as well other
global values systems. The notion of public morality
is relative, culturally fluid, difficult to define with any
sense of precision, and bears no objective criterion. In
addition, the freedom of expression provided for in the
Constitution, protects even unpopular and sometimes
speech that may be deemed offensive by others.
However, consistent with both the BCCSA and Press
Code, due care and responsibility must be exercised in
reporting, programming and publishing content that
contains gratuitous violence, brutality, explicit content,
violent crime and all forms of discrimination.
Instead of placing a complete ban on material that
might offend certain individuals or groups, the BCCSA
Codes provide directives to:
4.1.3.1 Give adequate warning beforehand when
producers and publishers believe the material
may be deemed offensive or upset some of the
viewers/listeners;
4.1.3.2  Be sensitive and circumspect in their scheduling
of such material; and
4.1.3.3 Make sure material that is unsuitable for
children is not broadcast outside the watershed
period (from 21:00 to 05:00).
With regard to the treatment of discrimination and hate
speech as well as violence and graphic content on digital
platforms, the Press Code obliges the media to:
4.1.3.4  avoid discriminatory or denigrating references
to people’s race, gender, sex, pregnancy,
marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour,
sexual orientation, age, disability, religion,
conscience, belief, culture, language and birth
or other status, and not refer to such status in
a prejudicial or pejorative context not unless it
is strictly relevant to the matter being reported,
and is in the public interest;
4.1.3.5 balance the right and duty to report and
comment on all matters of legitimate public
interest against the obligation not to publish
material that amounts to propaganda for war,
incitement of imminent violence or hate speech
and that constitutes incitement to cause harm;
4.1.3.6 exercise due care and responsibility when
presenting brutality, violence and suffering
3.1.3.7  not sanction, promote or glamorise violence or
unlawful conduct; and

 10

4.1.3.8  avoid content which depicts violent crime or
other violence or explicit sex, unless the public
interest overrides, in which case a prominently
displayed warning must indicate that such
content is graphic and inappropriate for certain
audiences such as children.
Although the SABC makes every effort to minimise what
audiences might find distasteful or tasteless, it has to
deal frankly with controversial topics and cannot avoid
tackling issues because of the risk of offending certain
people or section of the population.
The SABC also broadcasts and publishes content that
some might oppose, or find offensive, but that has
creative or social merit. Such content is aired and
published:
4.1.3.9  with due consideration of audience sensibilities;
4.1.3.10 with audience advisories; and
4.1.3.11 at appropriate times.
Careful scheduling and appropriate warning or advice
allows our public to make informed choices about
what they want to see and hear. This practice does not
detract from the SABC’s editorial responsibilities in any
way, but entrenches the culture of respect for freedom
of expression, and the right to receive and impart
information.
4.1.4 

Audience Advisories

The BCCSA Code is predicated on the notion that
audiences should be given the freedom and responsibility
to choose what they wish to see, hear or read, but that
they can take this responsibility only when they are
adequately informed about potentially problematic
material in advance.
The Codes requires broadcasters to give warnings that
are clear to the audiences. They include age indicators,
symbols for content such as graphic or excessive violence,
explicit sexual conduct, nudity and bad language,
including profanity.
Respecting the right to choose also means not
allowing material that viewers and listeners might
find threatening or shocking to intrude unexpectedly.
Alerting the audience is likely to lessen the negative
impact of violent or distressing scenes.
In line with this requirement, The SABC has established
the following procedures for acceptance and screening
of content for suitability and to meet the highest
editorial standards:
4.1.4.1  Each television channel employs staff dedicated
to viewing and classifying all programmes to
be broadcast by the channel, using a set of

Programming

guidelines for treating potentially controversial
material. If the designated staff is in doubt
about a classification, the matter is referred to
the supervisor of the programme acceptance
unit. The supervisor may take a decision, or refer
the material for review to the management
of the channel and/or Broadcast Compliance
management. In certain cases, material may be
referred to the Legal Department for advice.
4.1.4.2 
Classification includes deciding on the
appropriate age indicator and warnings to be
displayed on the programme, and the most
suitable time-slot for the broadcast.
4.1.4.3  The age-rating parameters used by the SABC
television channels are PG (parental guidance),
PG10, 13, 16 and 18.
4.1.4.4  Standardised warning symbols are displayed on
any programme containing material that could
be disturbing or offensive: V (violence), S (sex),
N (nudity), L (bad language, including profanity)
and P (prejudice).
4.1.4.5  A PG advisory may not be used on its own
but must be accompanied by a relevant age
restriction as well, such as PG10 or PG13.
4.1.4.6 Although profanity and explicit language is
a natural component of regular discourse,
viewers may justifiably find it offensive. The
SABC therefore, must to apply the “L” symbol
rigorously or in the case of news coverage
have a permanent textual warning on the
screen where profanity or explicit language is
concerned or anticipated, to minimise distress
to those audiences who may be offended.
4.1.4.7 The age rating and warning symbols are
displayed for 60 seconds at the start of the
programme, and for 30 seconds after each
advertising break.
These times could be
increased for extremely controversial material.
4.1.4.8  Cautionary announcements are made verbally
and/or visually at the start of programmes that
could be exceptionally disturbing to certain
viewers.
4.1.4.9  On-screen promotional material and line-ups
display the age indicator and warning symbols
for each programme, for the full duration of
the promo.
4.1.4.10 The SABC’s policy on consumer advice requires
all music videos and fillers to be approved in
advance, and scheduled in specific time-slots in
accordance with the watershed period.
4.1.4.11 Since radio is a more pervasive medium than
television, as much care should be taken to
respect the audience’s rights as for television.
The same principles of advisories apply to
sensitive material broadcast over the radio, or
anything that may offend or cause discomfort
to certain listeners, or is unsuitable for children.
4.1.4.12 
Across SABC platforms, where an item is
published on the basis of limited information,

 Programming

this shall be stated explicitly as such, and the
content should be supplemented once new
information becomes available.
4.1.4.13 All platforms shall make amends for presenting
information or comment that is found to be
inaccurate, by communicating promptly and
with proportionate prominence so as to readily
attract attention, a retraction, correction or
explanation.
4.1.4.14 The Press Code provides a clear directive that,
when digital content has been amended for
factual accuracy it must be indicated as such.
In the event of an apology or retraction, the
original item may remain, but the publisher
must indicate in a prominent manner that it has
led to an apology or retraction, and should link
to both the apology/retraction and the initial
item.
4.1.4.15 No person shall be entitled to have content
removed from digital platforms which falls
short of being defamatory, but is alleged by
such person to be embarrassing. Provided that
content may be removed from digital platforms
if content violates the rights of the child by, for
example, identifying the child or children in
non-compliance with these policies.
4.1.5 

Screening of Films

Where a Film and Publications Board (FPB) classification
for a film exists in terms of the Film and Publications
Act No. 65 of 1996, as amended, such classification is
the minimum advisory to be used for the broadcast of
the film:
4.1.5.1  “A”: suitable for all ages. These films do not
contain anything that is considered harmful or
disturbing to even very young children.
4.1.5.2  “PG”: Parental Guidance – alerts parents to
films that contain scenes, or deal with themes,
that might confuse or upset certain children if
they were to watch them alone. Parents are
advised to monitor their children’s viewing.
4.1.5.3  V (violence), S (sex), N (nudity), L (bad language,
including profanity), SV (sexual violence), D
(drugs/substance abuse) and P (prejudice).
4.1.5.4 “10”, “13”, “16” or “18”: films that are
unsuitable for children under the stipulated
age. This is a legally restrictive classification.
No version of a film that has been refused FPB
certification (which carries an XX classification) may be
broadcast at any time under any circumstances.
4.2 

Digital Content and Publishing

In line with the public service media entity’s mission to
provide “content that is accessible by all”, the SABC’s
digital offerings should include low bandwidth formats;
ensure that online and social media content is usable

11

on data zero-rated platforms; and utilise low bandwidth
multimedia distribution platforms where possible to
ensure that its online content is universally accessible.
The SABC’s digital platforms are:
a.  Integral to the SABC’s public and commercial
content offerings;
b.  Crucial in extending the public service mandate to a
broader audience; and
c.  Essential to serve future audiences reliant on digital
and on-demand public service content.
 
4.2.1  Production and Publication of Digital Content
The SABC’s digital content production and publication
platforms include:
4.2.1.1 Websites;
4.2.1.2  Apps (web and mobile applications);
4.2.1.3  Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram);
4.2.1.4 
Messaging services (WhatsApp, Facebook
Messenger, Snapchat);
4.2.1.5  Online video, including live streaming (using
services like YouTube, Facebook Live, Periscope,
own services);
4.2.1.6  Online audio (podcasts, live streaming); and
4.2.1.7  Other third party platforms for online content
production and curation (Storify, Snacktools,
infographic tools and others).
The rapid evolution of online platforms and tools
require operational flexibility to adapt and adjust to
use the best platforms for the right purpose at the right
time. Therefore, these platforms or their usage may
change frequently. The introduction of online services,
including new social media accounts, new tools and
new platforms should be subject to set standards and
procedures to ensure good governance and uniformity
in digital presence, managed and guided by the digital
units in the specific SABC divisions. In the process to test
and approve new services, digital units should consider
the public adoption of such new services, maintenance
of previous services, appropriate publication workflows,
internal training support and adherence to SABC
corporate visual identity standards.
In line with its mandate, and as the primary digital
source of public service content, the SABC endeavours
to:
4.2.1.8 Provide independent digital content services
and create digital-only content brands to serve
existing and new audiences, utilising content
specifically produced for digital platforms, as
well as curating and repackaging of audio and
video content. These initiatives are typically
driven by digital content production units
within the various SABC divisions;
4.2.1.9  Produce digital content, in the form of social
media, podcasts, audio or video live streaming

 12

and other related material, in support of existing
broadcast products, by the teams responsible
for those broadcast services jointly with digital
content units. This is aimed at serving existing
radio and TV audiences and extend the reach of
broadcast products to new audiences;
4.2.1.10 Serve audiences outside the reach of television
and radio services, such as those outside the
borders of the country; those who prefer ondemand digital content over linear viewing
and listening; and audiences whose media
consumption patterns show a move away from
linear programming and a preference for digital
content;
4.2.1.11 
Utilise digital media platforms for public
engagement and participation in all the SABC’s
content initiatives;
4.2.1.12 Ensure that digital content production is part
of the editorial planning process, integrated
into production workflows and subject to the
same editorial approval processes as broadcast
material;
4.2.1.13 
Emphasise
an
integrated
collaborative
approach, and place a particular obligation on
broadcast services to provide consistent and
comprehensive online updates in the form
of social media and online video and audio
in the languages in which they broadcast;
and for provincial bureaux to provide similar
online content for their geographical areas of
responsibility;
4.2.1.14 in the same way live and recorded programming
is monitored on radio and television, ensure
that editorial management directs and monitors
digital content output, provides editorial
guidance, identifies problems and oversees
swift corrections when needed, as required in
the Press Code.
4.2.2 

Programming

4.2.2.2  be transparent with the audiences about the
verification status of UGC;
4.2.2.3 be circumspect to the emotional state and
safety of contributors;
4.2.2.4  consider the risk inherent in asking a contributor
to produce and deliver UGC, including whether
it incentivises others to take unnecessary risks;
4.2.2.5  consider technical measures to ensure anonymity
of sources when required;
4.2.2.6 seek informed consent for the use of UGC
through direct communication with the
individual who created it;
4.2.2.7  be transparent about how content will be used
and distributed to other platforms;
4.2.2.8  give due credit to the owner of the content
providing that consideration has been given
to potential consequences, including their
physical, mental and reputational well-being;
4.2.2.9 to inform and equip journalists to confront
the dangers of engaging with sources through
social media networks and the digital footprint
they leave behind;
4.2.2.10 support and assist staff and journalists who are
confronted with graphic or otherwise disturbing
content; and
4.2.2.11 maintain an organisational culture that enables
journalists to seek help or speak out when they
need to protect their mental health.
4.2.3 

Digital Media Guidelines

The guidelines are meant to regulate conduct and
management of institutional and personal digital media
accounts. They are to be read with the full Digital
Media Policy of the SABC, and observed at all material
times. These guidelines and requirements as set out
in the Editorial Policies will prevail, should there be
any conflict between the Editorial Policies and the full
Digital Media Policy.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

Industry standards and practice oblige the SABC to
formulate a policy to guide its employees in terms of
utilising user-generated digital content. In a far as
news gathering and publishing is concerned, the Social
Newsgathering Ethics Code, originally compiled on 7
April 2016 by the US based Online News Association,
and subsequently endorsed by many major news
organisations around the world as a set of best practices
for the gathering and use by the media of content
created by members of the public, is the reference
point. However, the Social Newsgathering Ethics Code
does allow for general application in the way UGC is
managed. In line with the South African Press Code and
the Social News Gathering Ethics Code, the SABC should:
4.2.2.1  verify the authenticity of UGC before publishing
or distributing it, holding it to standards that
are equal or equivalent to those maintained for
content acquired through other means;

4.2.3.1  An individual’s freedom of expression on social
media must be balanced with the rights of
others to privacy and dignity, as well as the
SABC’s right to engage in both commercial
activities and deliver on its mandate as public
broadcaster and operate in the public interest.
4.2.3.2  The SABC’s digital media users are personally
responsible for what they publish online and
they should take considerable care in what they
publish digitally. Sound judgment and common
sense should guide their online activities. When
in doubt or uncomfortable, posting anything on
digital platforms should be avoided.
4.2.3.3  SABC users of online media platforms should be
mindful of the global and permanent nature
of online communications. Information that
would not ordinarily be revealed to others
should not be divulged online either.
4.2.3.4 The rights of others, as outlined in the
Constitution of South Africa, are to be respected.

 Programming

This includes the rights of both individuals and
organisations.
4.2.3.5  Opinions should be expressed without resorting
to personal attacks, gender and ethnic slurs,
obscenity, social insensitivity, discrimination, or
harassment.
4.2.3.6 SABC users need to be mindful of the
constitutional rights of others to privacy and
dignity.
4.2.3.7 The SABC does not pay for followers, site
visitors, or online friends – the number of
followers or friends should be a true reflection
of the account’s influence and reach. Employees
are expected to adhere to this principle in their
own social media activities as well.
4.2.3.8 Content on digital media is subject to
defamation law. SABC employees should be
mindful of linking to material on third party
sites that contain defamatory material. They
should not forward or repost information of
defamatory nature as they can be held legally
liable along with the originator of the content.
4.2.3.9  The SABC’s digital media users should be ready
to defend any views they express online. They
should use discretion, and rather err on the
side of caution and avoid crass or derogatory
language.
4.2.3.10 
The SABC does not broadcast gratuitous
violence, and this extends to digital media.
SABC digital media users should take care not
to reflect anything of this kind in their online
activities.
4.2.3.11 SABC users should guard against linking to or
commenting on images or videos of violence
or violent acts. These can reflect on personal
profiles and could expose account owners to
legal action. Incitement of violence or hatred is
a crime, and this applies to any such on digital
media as much as anywhere else.
4.2.3.12 The SABC does not broadcast explicit sex or
pornography and its employees are to adhere
to this in their online activities as well, be they
professional or personal. Online content of
a sexual nature should be used, linked to, or
commented on with extreme circumspection.
4.2.4 

Guidelines for Official SABC Digital Media
Accounts

4.2.4.1  These guidelines underpin the importance of
the SABC as a trusted and credible news source,
especially important in the digital sphere where
misinformation and disinformation are rife
and seek to undermine democracy. The role
and importance of the SABC in combatting
disinformation is therefore critical.
4.2.4.2  SABC digital media accounts are official SABC
platforms and services, and are as important and
influential as other more traditional platforms.
The same forethought, care, and planning need

13

to be applied in using these platforms as with
any other SABC communication tools.
4.2.4.3  Knowledge should be shared in a constructive
manner, being sure to separate opinion from
fact in what is published online.
4.2.4.4  When posting content such as video from third
parties on official SABC social media platforms,
individuals and account administrators need
to make sure that are authorised to do so and
that the SABC has digital rights for the relevant
content. When in doubt, clarity must be sought
from the relevant line manager, the producer
of the content, and/or the SABC’s Legal
department.
4.2.4.5  UGC, such as online comments solicited through
an official SABC social media account, needs to
be treated with goodwill and circumspection.
Employees may not claim to own the intellectual
property or copyright to any UGC that is not
their own. Official digital accounts of the SABC
need to set out in their terms and conditions
or disclaimers that users grant the SABC
permission to use their content on any official
SABC platform, but also state clearly that the
SABC will not claim ownership of such content
if it has no such mandate or permission.
4.2.4.6  Just as the SABC distinguishes between a station/
channel’s commercial objectives and news
mandate in general, the same must apply to
social media. Sponsored links should be clearly
labelled as such and not disguised as journalistic
or editorial content.
4.2.4.7  All the SABC’s official digital media accounts
must use imaging and branding that is consistent
with that of the SABC’s various approved brands,
symbols and corporate identity.
4.2.4.8 Great care, sensitivity and caution needs to
be exercised when interacting with children
on social media. While users’ ages are not
always stated, where it is known or suspected
that a user is a child they may not be used as
an information source without the consent
of their parent or guardian, and taking into
account the evolving capacity of the child, with
their informed consent as well. Their identity
may also not be made known without the
specific consent of the child and their parent or
guardian.
4.2.4.9  When in doubt about any online media account
or activity, the standard editorial upward
referral processes should be followed.
4.2.5 

Guidelines for Personal Digital Media Accounts

4.2.5.1  Any use of digital media platforms using work
resources, including work time and facilities,
is open to the organisation for scrutiny and
remedial action, should this be required.
4.2.5.2  Employees must respect the intellectual property
and copyright of the SABC. Individuals are not

 14

allowed to post SABC content, be it video,
audio, stills, or copy, on their own social media
platforms without giving due credit to the
SABC. They may also not create the impression
that they own the intellectual property rights or
copyright of any SABC content.
4.2.5.3  No payments will be made by the SABC for
posts, comments, or reviews, and incentives for
further distribution or reproduction (re-tweets,
for example) are disallowed.
4.2.5.4  Any digital media writing or posting by an
SABC employee that is paid for or incentivised
by anyone other than the SABC constitutes
commercial work or exposure and needs to be
declared and approved through the standard
SABC processes for this.
4.2.5.5  As per the SABC’s Conflict of Interest Policy,
an employee or relevant stakeholder’s online
media activity may not constitute a conflict
of interest with the SABC’s mandate and
business imperatives, be that conflict direct or
indirect. This includes, but is not limited to: selfdealing, advocacy activities, accepting benefits,
influence peddling, using the SABC’s property
and/or resources for personal advantage, using
confidential information, obtaining outside
employment or moonlighting, or taking
advantage in post-employment.
4.3 

Scheduling and the Watershed Period

Section 7 of the BCCSA Code specifies a watershed
period for television broadcasters. The requirements
are specified as follows:
4.3.1  Programming on television which contains
scenes of explicit violence, and/ or sexual
conduct and/ or nudity and or grossly offensive
language intended for adult audiences must
not be broadcast before the watershed period.
4.3.2  Promotional material and music videos which
contain scenes of explicit violence and/ or explicit
threatening violence and/ or sexual conduct and
/ or the fondling or touching of breasts and /
or genitalia or the anus and/ or nudity and/ or
offensive language for adult audiences must
not be broadcast before the watershed.
4.3.3  Promotional material for adult programmes
may be broadcast outside the watershed
period, provided it does not contain scenes of
violence, sexually explicit conduct, nudity and/
or bad language. On such promotional material
the age restriction and warning symbols that
apply to the programme are to be displayed
throughout.
4.3.4  The watershed period extends from 21:00 to
05:00.
4.3.5  Some programmes broadcast outside the
watershed period may not be suitable for
very young children. Licensees must provide

Programming

sufficient information, in terms of regular
scheduling patterns or audience advisories, to
assist parents and defacto or legal guardians to
make appropriate viewing choices.
4.3.6  Television broadcasting licensees may, with the
advance of the watershed period, progressively
broadcast more adult material.
4.3.7  Broadcasting service licensees must be
particularly sensitive to the likelihood that
programmes which commence during the
watershed period and which run beyond it may
then be viewed by children.
4.3.8  During the watershed period, progressively less
suitable (more adult) material may be shown.
For instance, a programme might be acceptable
at 23:00 that would not be suitable at 21:00
4.3.9  Broadcasters should be alert to the likelihood
of children watching programmes that begin
before the watershed period and run into it
4.3.10  Given the probability of older children being
in the audience during the watershed period,
broadcasters are to give consumer advice that
would allow parents to take informed decisions
on the suitability of programmes for their
family.
4.3.11  It is self-evident that if material is not suitable
for viewing by children, it should not be
broadcast when large numbers of them may
be expected to be watching television. Outside
the watershed period, then, nothing should
be shown that is inappropriate for children,
or for family viewing. After 21:00 parents are
expected to share the responsibility with the
programming entity for what their children are
permitted to see.
4.3.12  Regular broadcasting of programmes with age
restrictions of 13 or over between 17:00 and
20:00 is discouraged.
4.3.13 The SABC’s programme scheduling should
also take account of public holidays, religious
festivals/holidays, events of cultural or
international significance, and country-wide
school holidays, that is, when holidays in all or
most of the provinces coincide.
4.3.14  In general, the SABC’s answer to the potential
clash of interests between controversial
programming and some viewers’ concerns
requires due care and sensitive management
in scheduling. In its role as a public service
media entity, the SABC is expected to extend
the range of experience of its viewers and
listeners through its programmes. It needs to
strike a careful balance between respect for
fundamental rights, and audience sensitivities
and expectations. Programmes that challenge
accepted world views, and offer new experiences
and opposing perspectives, are the hallmark of
robustness in public service content.
4.3.15  Although the BCCSA Code does not specify a
watershed period for radio, the SABC abides

 Programming

by the dictum that stations do not broadcast
material that is unsuitable for children at times
when they are likely to form a large part of the
audience. For instance, radio stations should be
aware that children are likely to be listening to
the radio while travelling to and from school.
School holiday periods, when more children are
likely to be listening to radio during daytime
hours, also require special attention.
4.3.16 In terms of the freedom of expression
provisions in the Constitution, it is impossible
to prohibit “offensive” language on live radio
programming. The BCCSA Code says that when
transmitting material containing profanity,
or other religiously insensitive material that
is likely to offend a section of the audience,
broadcasters should give appropriate warnings
to allow audiences a choice.
4.3.17  The BCCSA free-to-air Code prescribes that
bad language, including profanity and other
religiously- sensitive material, should not be
used in programmes that are specially designed
for children. It also specifies that no excessively
or grossly offensive language should be used
before the watershed on broadcasts, or at
times when large numbers of children may be
expected to be in the audience.
4.3.18 Public media is an important source of
information and culture, and could influence
standards and values through its use of
language.
Therefore, the SABC needs to
maintain high standards of integrity with
regard to language usage, including but
not limited to all official languages. Correct
language use is one of the most frequent causes
for complaints, particularly incorrect grammar,
mispronunciation, negative stereotyping and
profanity. Guidelines on language usage are
contained in the section on Language Policy on
Content.
4.4 

Discrimination and Stereotypes

The Press and BCCSA Codes do deal with stereotyping
and discrimination albeit in general terms. Furthermore,
ICASA encourages broadcasters to develop their own
internal guidelines for dealing with these matters. Given
South Africa’s past, and the role of public service media
in healing divisions, it is imperative for the SABC not to
broadcast programmes that promote discrimination or
stereotyping on the grounds of race, national or ethnic
origin, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation,
age, or disability. To this end, the SABC is committed
to avoiding language, expressions and images that
reinforce stereotyping, and offend communities or
individuals.
The SABC is further committed to reflecting diversity
positively and undertakes to provide content that
is devoid of stereotypical representations in respect

15

of persons with disabilities, gender, race and sexual
orientation and any other South Africans who have
often been marginalised, or represented in narrow and
stereotypical terms.
In this regard, the SABC’s policy seeks to: The SABC’s
policy seeks to:
a.  treat every part of society with respect;
b.  not identify people solely by ethnic origin, and to
mention race and /or ethnicity only where relevant
and where it adds value to the content;
c.  avoid any unnecessary reference to disability, as
it is often seen as insulting or implying deficiency,
and not to use language that could add to such an
impression: e.g. “deaf” or “hard of hearing” should
be used, and “a person with disability” instead of
“invalid” or “cripple” or “retarded”, similarly avoid
“wheel-chair bound” and refer to wheel-chair
users” instead;
d.  use non-sexist language so as to avoid giving
offence, or creating the impression – through
repetition - that certain activities are associated
with only one sex, and also have due regard for
the different and diverse gender and sexualities,
and refer to people in the gender they choose to
identify as, for example “he, she, they”; and
e.  avoid humour that is excessively exploitative,
uncalled for, cruel, or designed to prejudice a person
or group.
These requirements are not intended to preclude
provision of factual material, or views expressed in
satirical or dramatic works, however, the context in
which the language is used is pivotal.
4.4.1 

People with Disabilities

4.4.1.1 The SABC recognises that persons with
disabilities often feel marginalised, and that in
its duty to the public it has to promote access
by these audience segments to its services, and
ensure that the representation of people with
disabilities in its content offerings is fair.
4.4.1.2 The SABC therefore treats persons with
disabilities respectfully in its services, and is
committed to reflecting issues of disability in
a way that does not perpetuate harmful and
negative stereotypes direct as people with
disabilities.
4.4.1.3  The SABC must commit to explore mechanisms
for enhancing delivery of content to people
with disabilities. Where possible, it must also
strive to involve persons with disabilities in such
initiatives.
4.4.2 Race
4.4.2.1  In the context of South Africa’s history, the SABC
takes particular care when dealing with issues
of racism, xenophobia, and in depicting race. In

 16

this regard, it commits to representing issues of
race in a way that does not perpetuate negative
stereotypes, and that creates awareness of
such stereotypes. To this end, unjustified racial
identifiers are to be avoided, such as divulging
race, ethnicity and/or nationality, unless there is
a compelling reason to do so.
4.4.2.2  The public service media also undertake to raise
awareness regarding racial discrimination by
encouraging opening and robust debate and
discussion of such issues. This goal translates
into encouraging and promoting a non-racial
approach and perspective to issues even among
staff.

Programming

4.4.3 Gender

4.4.4.3  sanctions, promotes or glamorises any aspect of
violence against women;
4.4.4.4  depicts women as victims of violence unless the
violence is integral to the subject of coverage;
4.4.4.5  perpetuates the link between women in a sexual
context and women as victims of violence;
4.4.4.6  promotes or glamorises violence or unlawful
conduct based on race, national or ethnic origin,
colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age,
or mental or physical disability; and
4.4.4.7  amounts to:
a.   propaganda for war;
b.  incitement of imminent violence; or
c.   the advocacy of hatred that is based on race,
ethnicity, religion or gender and that constitutes
incitement to cause harm.

In line with other commitments raised in other sections
of these policies, the SABC undertakes to ascertain that
its content offerings do not:

Public service media entities are reminded of the possible
dangers of some people imitating violence, details of
which they see, hear or read about.

4.4.3.1  promote violence against women;
4.4.3.2  degrade women and undermine their role and
position in society;
4.4.3.3  promote sexism and gender inequality; and
4.4.3.4  reinforce gender oppression and stereotypes.

Considering the above, section 3 and 4 of the BCCSA
Free-To-Air Code and section 9 of Press Code however
direct that the above mentioned prohibitions shall not
apply to:

Furthermore, the SABC is committed to:
4.4.3.5 reflecting and portraying women in their
positive societal roles - as independent
intellectual beings; as leaders, decision-makers,
academics, agents for change;
4.4.3.6 simultaneously avoid representation of men
in roles that bolster gender ascendancy and
stereotypes;
4.4.3.7 consciously seek gender balance in content
offerings, such as those requiring a range of
opinions on issues of public importance; and
4.4.3.8 Having due regard to diverse genders and
sexualities, and ensure members of the LGBTIAQ
communities are fairly represented and not
discriminated against.
4.4.4 Violence
Section 3 of the BCCSA Free-To-Air Code and section 9
of the Press Code are consistent in their approach to the
treatment of violence and its representation in content
offerings.
They direct the media to avoid content offerings or any
material which, judged within context:
4.4.4.1 contains violence which does not play an
integral role in developing the plot, character
or theme of the material as a whole;
4.4.4.2  sanctions, promotes or glamorises violence or
unlawful conduct;

4.4.7.8 a broadcast which judged within context,
amounts to a bona fide scientific, documentary,
dramatic, artistic, or religious broadcast;
4.4.7.9 a broadcast which amounts to a discussion,
argument or opinion on a matter pertaining to
religion, belief or conscience; or
4.4.7.10  a broadcast which amounts to a bonafide
discussion, argument or opinion on a matter of
public interest
Violence manifests itself in many forms, and attitudes
to it range from shock to disgust, passive acceptance
and approval, depending on the context. The media’s
portrayal of violence may influence how it is received
and acted on in society, and it has been suggested that
violence in media content offering may induce apathy,
insensitivity, or aggression in certain individuals.
Modern technology allows images of violence to be
published to people who have little or no real contact
with it in their daily life. The SABC therefore has a duty
not to glamorise any type of violence, nor to promote
it, and to depict it only when it could help to portray
a story, evoke compassion, prompt help, or simply be
an accurate representation of real events and is in the
public interest to show it.
In addition to provisions in the Press and BCCSA Codes,
the SABC’s policy on violence is as follows:
4.4.7.11 To broadcast programmes or scenes containing
images of violence if they are needed in order
to portray legitimate information or context;

 Programming

17

4.4.7.12 
To ensure that any broadcast of material
containing scenes of violence, or violent
behaviour, is justifiable in the context of the
SABC’s functions and purpose;
4.4.7.13 To use an appropriate form of audience advisory
to give advance notice when violence is to be
shown;
4.4.7.14 To treat the subject of suicide, or attempted
suicide, with circumspection, and not to give any
detailed demonstration of the means of suicide;
and where necessary refer to “attempt to take
one’s life” rather than “committing suicide”.
4.4.7.15 To avoid portraying dangerous behaviour that
children could easily imitate; and
4.4.7.16 To use scenes of violence or cruelty to animals
prudently and with adequate warning, as
viewers are disturbed by such material.

4.4.5.5  The content amounts to fair comment based on
facts that are adequately referred to and that
are true or substantially true;
4.4.5.6  The content amounts to a fair and accurate
coverage of court proceedings, parliamentary
proceedings or the proceedings of any quasijudicial tribunal or forum;
4.4.5.7  It was reasonable for the information to be
communicated because it was prepared in
accordance with acceptable principles of
journalistic conduct and in the public interest;
or
4.4.5.8  The content was or formed part of, an accurate
and impartial account of a dispute to which the
complainant was a party.

The SABC’s aim is not to see how much violence will be
tolerated, but how little is needed to achieve honest
ends without undue dramatic or editorial compromise.

Careful consideration guides the SABC in its interaction
with people who are grieving or in distress. They are often
in an intensely emotional state and may not be able to
decide rationally about giving comment or interviews.
In such cases, discretion should be used in filming or
interviewing them. People in distress should be treated
with dignity and compassion and any broadcasting or
publishing of their displays of grief should be kept to a
minimum where showing it is justified and in the public
interest.

Further guidelines on violence in news programmes are
dealt with in the News, Current Affairs and Information
Policy.
4.4.5 

Privacy, Dignity and Reputation

The Constitution protects fundamental human rights,
and affords every South African the right to privacy
and dignity. Related to this, the BCCSA and Press Codes
require the media to exercise exceptional care and
consideration in matters involving the private lives and
private concerns of individuals. However, the right to
privacy may be overridden by public interest. The SABC
expects decisions of this kind to be taken with due
consideration of all applicable guidelines, regulations
and policies, and likely consequences of the action to
be deliberated carefully. The following are guidelines
applicable to matters of privacy, dignity and reputation:
4.4.5.1  The public has the right to receive information
about public figures and public institutions, if
this is in the public interest;
4.4.5.2  Invasion of privacy may be justified in order
to disclose information that has a bearing on
someone’s performance of public duties, or on
any matter of public interest; and
4.4.5.3  Aspects of the private lives of public figures
that are pertinent to their public duties must be
distinguished from those that are not.
While due care and consideration must be exercised
in matters involving privacy, dignity and reputation of
an individual, it should be overridden only if it is in the
public interest and in the following circumstances:
4.4.5.4  The facts presented are true or substantially
true;

4.4.6 

Grief, Suffering and Distress

The SABC is committed to:
4.4.6.1 respecting everyone’s right to privacy and
dignity, and to treating grief-stricken people
with sensitivity;
4.4.6.2  not identifying victims/survivors of rape, or of
sexual violence in general, without their express
and informed consent; and
4.4.6.3 not identifying or interviewing child victims
of abuse or where children are accused of a
crime, or where they are witnesses to a crime,
unless exceptional circumstances indicate it
to be demonstrably in the best interests of
the child, and informed consent of the parent
and or guardian, and where possible, the child
concerned has been obtained.
4.4.7 

HIV/AIDS - Medical Conditions

With regard to treating content relating to HIV/AIDS,
the SABC shall:
4.4.7.1 not disclose the HIV status or any medical
condition of anyone without their express
consent, unless it would be in the public interest
to do so. Therefore, unless there are compelling
public interest reasons, consent to disclosure
should be obtained, and if possible should be
obtained in writing (in the form of a waiver of
the person’s right to privacy);

 18

4.4.7.2  not disclose the HIV/AIDS status or any sensitive
medical condition of a child without their
consent, together with the consent of their
legal guardian or similarly responsible adult,
provided it is fully informed consent and that it
is demonstrably in the best interests of the child
and in the public interest;
4.4.7.3  adopt the principle that HIV/AIDS and other
sensitive medical conditions should be destigmatised, and members of society should be
educated to conduct their lives responsibly; and
4.4.7.4 encourage communities to embrace the
people living with Aids and other sensitive
medical conditions; to create empathy and
understanding for them; not to ostracise them,
but to accord them dignity as members of
society.
The guidelines on privacy and dignity are elaborated
on further in the News, Current Affairs and Information
Policy. Editorial staff should also consult the Legal
Guidelines specific to editorial matters.
4.5 Children
Section 6 of the BCCSA free-to-air Code and section
8 of the Press Code provide the following provisions
regarding children as consumers and subjects of media
content:
4.5.1  Media entities are reminded that children
embrace a wide range of maturity and
sophistication. In interpreting the BCCSA Code,
a distinction should be made, if appropriate,
between those approaching adulthood from a
much younger, pre-teenage audience.
4.5.2  Media entities must not broadcast material
which is harmful or disturbing to children at
times when a large number of children are
likely to be part of the audience.
4.5.3  Particular caution must be exercised, as provided
below, in the depiction of violence in children’s
content offerings.
4.5.4  In children’s content portrayed by real-life
characters, violence - whether physical, verbal
or emotional - may be portrayed only when it is
essential to the development of a character and
plot.
4.5.5  Animated content for children, although it is
accepted as a stylised form of storytelling that
could contain non-realistic violence, may not
have violence as their central theme, nor invite
dangerous imitation.
4.5.6  In producing children’s content, due care should
be taken in dealing with themes that could
threaten their sense of security, such as the
portrayal of domestic conflict, death, crime, or
drug abuse.

Programming

4.5.7  Due care should be taken in dealing with
themes that could invite imitation, such as the
use of plastic bags and dangerous household
products as playthings, use of matches, and
other hazardous physical acts.
4.5.8  Children’s content may not contain realistic
scenes of violence, or which create the
impression that violence is the preferred or only
method to resolve conflict between individuals.
4.5.9  Children’s content may not contain realistic
scenes of violence that minimise or gloss over
the effect of violent acts. Any realistic depiction
of violence should portray, in human terms, the
consequences for its victims and its perpetrators.
4.5.10  Children’s content may not contain frightening
or otherwise excessive special effects that are
not required by the story line.
4.5.11  In The spirit of Section 28(2) of the Bill of Rights,
the media shall exercise exceptional care and
consideration when reporting about children. If
there is any chance that coverage might cause
harm of any kind to a child, he or she shall not
be interviewed, photographed or identified
without the consent of a legal guardian or of a
similarly responsible adult and the child (taking
into consideration the evolving capacity of the
child); and a public interest evident.
The SABC offers a diverse range of content for children,
from toddlers to adolescents for entertainment,
education and information. The extensive range of
material for young audiences is designed to reach
different target groups at times best suited to their
needs, age and level of maturity.
The SABC takes special care to ensure that content
offerings that children are likely to consume
unsupervised would not cause alarm or distress, or incite
aggressive behaviour.
It is important to note that offering children enjoyable
and enriching content is not to be confused with
concealing the real world from them. Adults sometimes
seek to exclude from television certain images and
words, or coverage of certain events, in an effort to
protect children. For some children, though, the world
is already violent and dangerous, and it is important for
the media to help them understand and deal with their
own lives. It is also important that the SABC strives to
ensure that children’s voices are heard on matters that
impact them, bearing in mind that all such efforts must
be done in a manner that is in the best interest of the
child and has due regard for their evolving capacity and
that informed consent is secured from the child and the
parent or guardian.
Adults often have strong views about how children
ought to behave, and expect children’s content to show

 Programming

and reflect only ideal patterns of behaviour. However,
content that is not based on children’s own needs and
interests tends to be seen as artificial and irrelevant.
Producers are encouraged to facilitate the participation
of children in the development of children’s content in
order to ensure relevance.
There are further guidelines on children’s programming
in the Language Policy on Content the Policy on
Educational Content.
4.6 

Sex, Nudity and Pornography

Sex and nudity may be offensive to some people, and
content providers are therefore encouraged to give
their audiences adequate warning and to schedule such
material when children are not expected to be in the
audience in large numbers.
Broadcasters and publishers are prohibited from
carrying material classified as XX (sexually explicit) in
terms of section 18 of the Film and Publications Act of
1996 (as amended), or material which, when judged in
context, contains a scene or scenes, simulated or real, of
any of the following:
4.6.1 

4.6.2 
4.6.3 
4.6.4 

4.6.5 

A person who is, or is depicted as being, under
the age of 18 participating in, engaging in, or
assisting another person to engage in sexual
conduct or a lewd display of nudity;
Explicitly violent sexual conduct;
Bestiality; rape, incest, conduct or an act which
is degrading of human beings;
Child pornography; and (as defined in section
1 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and
Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act
No.32 of 2007)
Explicit sexual conduct that degrades a person
in the sense that it advocates a particular form
of hatred based on gender and that constitutes
incitement to cause harm.

In terms of the BCCSA Free To-Air Code, the restrictions
do not apply to bona fide scientific or documentary
programmes, or dramatic material which, when judged
in context, is of such a nature.
The BCCSA Code also requires scenes depicting sexual
conduct to be broadcast only during the watershed
period. Further, when an exception is made for a
programme with a serious educational purpose, it
should be approved in advance by the most senior
programme executive, or a delegated alternative. The
BCCSA Code provides that explicit portrayal of violent
sexual behaviour is justifiable only in exceptional
circumstances, and the above approval process is
prescribed in this instance, too.

19

The SABC’s policy on the portrayal of sex and sexuality
is to ensure that it is defensible in the context, and
presented with tact and discretion. This, with adequate
advisories, should make for greater acceptability to the
viewing public. When representation of sex is justified,
it should generally be reserved for after 22:30. It is worth
remembering, though, that if a series on sex were made
for adolescents, there would be no point in offering it
late at night. Exceptions may also be allowed for nature
documentaries, content that have a serious educational
purpose, or where the representation is a graphical
illustration (delineated in cartoons or diagrams), but
these are to be approved by the channel head.
When topics of sexual nature feature in news,
documentaries and discussions, programme makers
should observe the need for careful scheduling and
consumer advice. Tactful handling can help prevent
the most sensitive of subjects from giving widespread
offence. Overall, any programme that deals with sex
and sexuality should be treated with care, and without
sensationalism.
Just as the SABC does not condone racist material, or
gratuitous violence, it does not present sexual violence,
or exploitative or non-consensual sexual relations, as
acceptable. Whereas most of the negative reaction from
the public is prompted by depiction, even discussion of
sex attracts some criticism. However, it is the SABC’s
responsibility as a public service media entity to
encourage debate and open discussion of sex, sexuality
and sexual roles.
4.7 
4.7.1 

Content Sponsorship

The SABC complies with ICASA’s regulations on
content sponsorship. ICASA defines sponsorship
as direct or indirect financing, whether partial
or total, of the production or transmission of
broadcast programme material by an advertiser
or person seeking to promote their activities or
products.
4.7.2  ICASA regulates programme sponsorship and
seeks to ensure that editorial control remains
with the SABC. To this end, the regulations
stipulate that if there is any depiction during
a sponsored programme of the name or logo
of whoever provides the sponsorship, that
depiction should be subordinate to the content
of the programme. The regulations also provide
that where there is programme sponsorship,
the sponsor’s association with the programme
has to be stated clearly, both before and after
the programme
4.7.3  Channel Heads, Editors, Programme Managers,
and Commercial Enterprises, have a duty to
ensure that the SABC is in compliance with
these regulations.

 20

4.8 Infomercials
ICASA has developed rules for infomercials, with which
the SABC complies. These provide that:
4.8.1 
4.8.2 

4.8.3 

infomercials may not be carried during prime
time, or during children’s programmes;
infomercials must be labelled in such a way as
to make it clear that they are not programme
material; and
no more than two hours of infomercials per day
are allowed in the performance period (05:00 23:00) of each channel.

In addition to the above, ICASA encourages broadcasters
to ensure that infomercials are not carried on all the
free-to-air channels at the same time.
Channel Heads, Editors, Programme Managers, and
Commercial Enterprises, have a duty to ensure that the
SABC is in compliance with these regulations.

Programming

   
       
   
 

FAIR AND
BALANCED
REPORTING

News

22

News

5. Policy

on News and
Editorial Content
5.1 Introduction
The SABC occupies a distinct position of trust in the lives
of its audiences. It is the most extensive, all-inclusive and
diverse news organisation in South Africa. The SABC
considers it a duty to provide compelling, independently
produced, bias-free, credible and useful top-quality
news, information and analysis, which the public can
trust in their daily decision making about their lives,
in participating in processes geared at enhancing, and
advancing the country’s democracy and in building a
common future.
The Act and the ECA, the BCCSA and Press Codes and
the SABC’s Editorial Policies set out the editorial tenets
for news and current affairs services. These are to be
read, understood and observed by every member of
SABC’s news staff. This policy covers all news, current
affairs and information services of the SABC across all
platforms.
5.2 
5.2.1 

Editorial Independence and Impartiality

The SABC recognises the centrality of news and
information in advancing human development,
social and economic growth, and in protecting
and strengthening democracy. Consequently,
and within the context of South Africa’s history,
social justice and human progress are at the
core of its storytelling.
5.2.2  Through this policy, the SABC is well positioned
to meet the challenge of telling the South
African story with compassion, determination
and resolution, while creating forums where
South Africans from every walk of life can
communicate ideas about their daily experiences
and aspirations.
5.2.3  The SABC commits to offer news content that
is ethical, substantial and diverse, and analysis
that is authentic and meaningful to the South
African public. This means that content offerings
should reflect plurality of views, diversity of
opinion and be inclusive of all spheres of South
African life across language, culture, gender,
class, race and geographical boundaries
5.2.4  For the SABC to achieve editorial objectives
that are beyond reproach, its journalists have

the moral and ethical obligation to uphold the
highest journalistic editorial ethical standards
consistently and diligently.
5.2.5  In gathering and delivering news, current
affairs and information as credible public good,
SABC journalists and all newsroom staff must
demonstrate such values as integrity in the
manner they conduct themselves, transparency
in the execution of their craft, rigour in dealing
with sources of information, robustness
in interrogating issues of public interest,
resoluteness in demanding accountability, and
fairness in the treatment of their story subjects.
The need for SABC journalists to be upright,
independent and impartial is at the heart of
public trust.
5.2.6  The SABC’s freedom of expression and its
journalistic, creative and editorial independence
is guaranteed and protected in law.
The
principle of editorial independence is therefore
fundamental to the operations of the public
service media and especially important to the
functions of the SABC’s news division.
5.2.7  The SABC is committed to upholding the
independence of its news service and, flowing
from this policy, the news division will develop
its own internal guidelines on how to entrench
this independence and deal with potential
conflicts of interest in the newsroom. These
guidelines deal with involvement of reporters
in political organisations and declarations of
financial or family interests, including how gifts
and free travel are to be dealt with. As a public
institution, the SABC is often itself the subject
of its own news reports. When reporting on
itself, the SABC ensures that its news service
does so fairly, transparently, fully and without
any interference from either the Board or its
News and Editorial Subcommittee.
5.2.8  Through the News and Editorial Subcommittee,
the SABC Board shall exercise oversight to:
a.  protect the public broadcaster’s editorial and
programming independence as set out in the
Editorial Policies; and
b.  ensure accountability for the compliance and
adherence with these Editorial Policies, taking

 News

into account that management retain operational
responsibility for the enforcement of the policies
across the Corporation.
5.3 

23

history of South Africa, and that South Africa
is part of Africa, it is the SABC’s responsibility
to endeavour to represent Africa and African
stories fairly and diversely.

Editorial Guidelines

The SABC’s public interest obligation is what gives
meaning to its right to freedom of expression. In fulfilling
its public duty, SABC news staff should at all times bear
in mind that the right to freedom of expression comes
with enormous obligations, the primary one being the
duty to provide untrammelled news and information to
the public. In executing their public responsibilities, all
news staff should uphold the highest professionalism
and ethical standards by committing to:
5.3.1  report, contextualise, and present news
and current affairs honestly, accurately and
transparently and to disclose all essential facts
and information and not conceal relevant,
available facts, or distorting by wrong or
improper emphasis;
5.3.2  not allow commercial, political, state, interest
groups and personal considerations to influence
SABC’s editorial decisions. The SABC is expected
to provide compelling news and current affairs
content and as part of this duty should evaluate,
analyse and critically appraise government
policies and programmes. Owing to its legally
protected editorial independence, the SABC is
not the mouthpiece of the government of the
day or a state broadcaster;
5.3.3  strive for balance by presenting a plurality of
views at all times, and particularly on matters of
national importance;
5.3.4  be guided by the public interest, news value and
editorial merit in making decisions on coverage;
5.3.5  be mindful that fairness does not require
editorial staff to be unquestioning and report
passively;
5.3.6  not accept gifts, favours, free travel, special
treatment, or privileges that could compromise
SABC’s editorial integrity, and any such offer is
to be disclosed;
5.3.7  promote and foster open dialogue and
engagement with audiences and create
opportunities for the public to discuss issues on
local, social, political, economic and national
concern;
5.3.8  consciously work to eliminate inequalities in
terms of coverage and access to news and
information by reaching even the more rural
and remote areas;
5.3.9  Tell stories from a South African point of view
and deal with issues that are important to South
Africans. This includes local, African and global
issues; and
5.3.10  Contextualise for South Africans their life as
global citizens, and to recount the story of South
Africa in all its variety and complexity. Given the

The BCCSA and Press Codes also require journalists to
report news truthfully, accurately and impartially. In
this regard;
5.3.11  The staff may not allow their professional
judgement to be influenced by pressures from
political, commercial or other sectional interests.
5.3.12  As professionals, SABC journalists and all its
news staff have personal opinions, beliefs and
preferences arising from social, educational,
cultural and other forms of nurturing.
South Africa’s apartheid past and individual
experiences in living through that period,
also accentuates differences that could create
unfairness and partiality, or perceptions of
bias. It is the responsibility of SABC journalists
and editorial staff to ensure that these forms
of individual and collective nurturing do not
lead to any form or perception of inequity or
prejudice.
5.3.13  SABC news coverage should be accurate, fair,
impartial and balanced. The public justifiably
expects SABC news and current affairs content
to not reflect personal views of editorial staff.
In assigning stories and other content, SABC
editors should be sensitive to published views,
associations and backgrounds, so as to avoid
any perception of bias, or of vulnerability to
undue influence.
5.3.14  For the SABC to retain its credibility and maintain
public trust, accuracy is imperative. Research for
any news content has to be thorough, and be
checked and cross-checked. Verification is also
an important tool for ensuring accuracy. News
agencies or SABC correspondents should verify
national and international reports that are not
obtained first hand. News and current affairs
stories and feeds taken from international
broadcasters, bureaux and correspondents are
to be acknowledged, and to be consistent with
SABC editorial policies and standards.
5.3.15  SABC editorial staff should always endeavour to
present stories in a fair and balanced manner.
Every attempt should be made to include a
right of reply when required to ensure such
balance and fairness in the same story. When
exceptional circumstances make it impossible to
achieve fairness and balance, or when damaging
criticism of an individual or institution is
presented, those criticised should be afforded
the right to reply in a subsequent programme,
with comparable prominence.
With the best of intentions and efforts, mistakes still
happen. When a serious factual error has been made, it

 24

should be admitted and corrected as soon as it is realised
on all platforms where it has been used, and afforded
proportionate coverage relative to the scale and gravity
of the error. The BCCSA and Press Codes require any
rectification to be presented with such a degree of
prominence and timing as may be adequate and fair in
the circumstances so as to attract attention readily.
5.4 

Protected Comment

As provided for in the Press Code, SABC journalists shall
be entitled to comment upon or report on any actions
or events of public interest. Comment or criticism
is protected even if extreme, unjust, unbalanced,
exaggerated and prejudiced, under the following
circumstance when it:
5.4.1 
5.4.2 
5.4.3 
5.4.4 

expresses an honestly-held opinion;
is without malice;
is on a matter of public interest;
has taken fair account of all material facts that
are substantially true; and
5.4.5  is presented in such manner that it appears
clearly to be comment.
5.5 

Language and Tone in News

It is important for the SABC to get its facts and use of
language correctly. Given our nation’s divided history
and previously unequal learning systems, the use of
South African languages should always consider the
needs and sensitivities of the audiences. This means that:
5.5.1 

Language usage and its tone of language should
take account of different cultures, abilities,
classes and experiences and avoid exaggeration,
value judgement, unnecessary provocation, and
lack of objectivity and or balance.
5.5.2  All content on all platforms should carry
warnings in cases of unavoidable offensive
language. In circumstance such as live coverage,
it is difficult to anticipate such and where
possible a pre-emptive verbal warning or
permanent textual warning should be carried.
5.5.3  News content produced for children should
at all times ensure that the use of language is
suitable for children and meets the standard for
the best interest of the child.
5.5.4  In instances where African Languages are
involved, inaccuracies easily creep in when
stories are translated. Therefore, only staff
who have the required language skills should
translate stories, and they should do so
accurately and fairly.
Further guidelines on language use are laid out in
the Policy on Programming and Publishing and the
Language Policy on Content.

News

5.6 Interviewing
5.6.1 

Interviews are an important tool of journalism.
In order to achieve the objective of an interview
to break new ground and get new information,
it is important for interviewing to be purposeful
and well researched.
5.6.2  For an interview to be productive and successful,
it is important to inform an interviewee of the
purpose of the interview, its duration and any
other relevant matter, and to establish how he
or she prefers to be addressed.
5.6.3  Care should be taken when interviewing people
who do not have any experience of news media.
5.6.4  Allowance should be made for possible language
barrier, confusion and misunderstanding,
difficulty of expression, that may arise when
an interview is conducted in a language
other than the interviewee’s home language.
If necessary, an interviewer should repeat
questions and confirm that the interviewee
has a clear understanding of what is asked,
and may request the interviewee to clarify
answers. Assumptions should be avoided at all
costs as well as the temptation to reconstruct
an interviewee’s responses later. The interview
is the opportunity to do so.
5.6.5  Conversely, interviewers are increasingly faced
with interviewees who attempt to steer the
interview on their own course. In such cases,
interruptions may be justified. Any unwillingness
to answer questions should be shown up, but
this should be done calmly and respectfully.
5.6.6  In commissioning and producing economics and
business content, SABC news staff should ensure
a diversity of views and schools of thought, and
not limit the voices to orthodox perspectives.
Such content should be presented in a balanced,
fair and accurate manner.
5.6.7  SABC will strive to interview and access a
diversity of voices, including those from
marginalised groups, with due consideration
for the ethics and public interest involved, as
well as the interest of those being interviewed.
5.7 

Analysts, Experts and Specialist Commentators

5.7.1 

The SABC’s principle of providing a full spectrum
of opinions, perspectives and comment also
applies to selection and use of guests, analysts
and specialist commentators. This requires
editorial staff to choose, as participants, people
who have a wide range of views, opinions and
perspectives, and are drawn from all over the
country. Such individuals should be required to
declare any vested interest they may have in the
matter to be discussed.
While various analysts and commentators may
be used frequently due to either availability
or expertise, dedicated resident analysts are

5.7.2 

 News

frowned upon as the arrangement may lead
to single narratives and lack of plurality. Use
of high quality and skilled experts must be
considered at all times and editorial discretion
must be exercised where necessary.
5.7.3  Priority must be given to ensure gender balance
in the selection of guests.
5.7.4  Blacklisting of people for whatever reason will
not be tolerated.
5.7.5  Diverse views and opinions should be accepted.
However, incitement of violence, hate speech
and propaganda for war will not be tolerated.
5.7.6  Specialist expertise must be used to bring
authority and meaning to complex issues.
5.7.7  Tough searching questions must be asked of
those who hold public office and others who
are accountable in their respective spheres.
5.7.8  Editorials, analysis, commentary, and points of
view must be held to the same standards of
factual accuracy as news content.
5.8 

5.8.5 

As a matter of policy, the SABC does not use
hidden cameras and microphones to gather
news. In exceptional circumstances such as
where there is suspected illegal, antisocial or
fraudulent activity, or a clear and significant
abuse of public trust, and where alternative
means of newsgathering are impossible, the
use of such equipment might be in the public
interest. If so, the matter is to be referred to
the Editor-in-Chief who will, in making the
final decision, also consult the SABCs Legal
Department.

5.9 

Paying for Information

5.9.1 

The BCCSA Code for Subscription Services and
Press Codes prohibit paying criminals and
informants for information, unless compelling
public societal interests indicate otherwise.
As a matter of policy, the SABC does not pay
people for information. In circumstances where
compelling public interest and the right to know
are involved, and access to information cannot
be gained by other means, the matter shall be
referred to the Editor-in-Chief for a decision.
When payment has been made, this fact is to be
disclosed as part of the news item.

5.9.2 

Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism, to which the SABC has made
an important contribution, is a key feature of the pubic
news service. SABC investigative journalism plays a vital
part in pursuing matters of public concern systematically
through innovative and reliable journalism, making it
possible to access information that is crucial to the
construction of a democratic society.
As a general rule, and given its potential effect on the
lives of a large part of society, investigative journalism
at the SABC always takes into account the relative
importance of an issue. In executing investigative
assignments, the following must be considered:
5.8.1 

25

Minor matters should not be dealt with when
more significant issues warrant attention.
5.8.2  Although investigative journalism is robust and
thorough in its examination of issues, it also has
to adhere to the highest ethical and journalistic
standards, be in the public interest, offer
valuable information and authentic analysis,
promote public dialogue, and enable the public
to form their own opinions.
5.8.3  Given its nature, investigative journalism
frequently involves legal considerations, and
on such occasions the advice of the Legal
Department is to be sought.
5.8.4  As a rule, SABC journalists work in the open
and their journalistic practice is transparent.
Clandestine methods of gathering news and
information should be used with due regard to
the law, the right to privacy, and the significance
of the information. If it were to become
necessary and in the public interest to gather
information to which the public normally does
not have access, the matter should be referred
to the relevant Editor and or Editor-in-Chief.

 
5.10 

Opinion Surveys in News Content

5.10.1  Surveys are methods used to discover facts,
uncover attitudes and confirm
hypotheses.
However, to ensure the validity and reliability
of the findings of such
research, it has to be
done according to proven scientific methods.
5.10.2  Before broadcasting the results of non-SABC
surveys, journalists should obtain information
on the methods used and the main results of
the survey; seek the opinion of experts in the
field on the validity of the methods used and
interpretation of the findings.
5.10.3  The SABC may also conduct its own public opinion
surveys, for which it takes full accountability. The
Head of News Research shall be responsible for
the design, questionnaires and interpretation
of the results, after consultation with relevant
Editor and or Editor-in-Chief.
5.10.4  Statements gathered (live or pre-recorded) from
people chosen at random - vox pops - are not
scientific surveys. These should be presented
solely to illustrate the range and texture of
popular opinion on a topical issue. Therefore,
there should be no suggestion, explicit or
implicit, that views gathered in such a survey
reflect wider public opinion.
5.11 

Protection of Sources

5.11.1  The SABC firmly upholds the principle of
journalistic freedom and sees the protection

 26

News

of a journalist’s sources as a key element of
this principle.
At times, information that
ought to be given to the public is available to
journalists only through confidential sources.
If the confidentiality of such sources were not
respected, it would restrict the free flow of
information in a free and democratic society.
5.11.2  In the event of a source not wanting to be
identified publicly, the SABC uses the information
obtained only when the source is known to
the journalist and has prima facie credibility;
the journalist has checked the reliability of the
source and obtained corroboratory evidence
from other relevant sources; and the identity
and bona fides of the confidential source have
been disclosed to the Editor-in-Chief.
5.11.3  When the protection of a source becomes a
legal matter, the SABC does not advise its staff
to refuse to obey an order of a court, but makes
its legal counsel available for advice and to
present legal argument in court to protect the
source.

citizens under the age of 18 are referred to as
children. The SABC must ensure that children
are accommodated and treated as human
beings who have a voice and rights that must
be affirmed.
5.12.7 At the same time, recognition of their
vulnerabilities is paramount and topics with and
about children must be treated with absolute
sensitivity, and the best interest of the child is to
be safeguarded.
5.12.8  The editorial staff must familiarise themselves
with the various laws aimed at
protecting
children and the SABC’s legislative, regulatory
and policy frameworks. SABC News shall not
broadcast or publish any material that is
unsuitable for children during the times when
large numbers of children are expected to be
available. Consent for an interview must be
sought from the child, guardian or any other
authority in loco parentis. In interviewing
children in distress editorial staff must take care
not to induce secondary trauma.

5.12 

5.13 

Gender, Children and Under-Represented
Communities

5.12.1  Democracy and the need for inclusion places an
important responsibility on the SABC to include
its news services, consciously and with due
prominence, the perspectives and opinions of
women who are making a crucial contribution
to the political, social and economic life of
South Africa.
5.12.2  The SABC should strive to deal with gender
inequality, bias and discrimination in editorial
content by ensuring fair, balanced and nondiscriminatory portrayal of women, children
and under-covered groups in news.
5.12.3  Journalists and all news staff should ensure that
women, children and under-covered groups
equitably participate in news and information
content. This should include the Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, Intersex and
Questioning (LGBTIQ) community and people
with disabilities.
5.12.4  In exploring experts for analysis, persons with
disabilities and of different sexual orientation
are to be given equal opportunity on the
basis of capability. The sexual orientation or
disability need not be mentioned if it has no
relevance to the content at hand. In such cases,
use of derogatory terms in any language should
be avoided at all cost.
5.12.5  Where possible, honorifics ad titles should
be gender neutral, for example, chairman or
chairlady becomes chairperson.
5.12.6 Children’s rights are enshrined in section
28 (2) of the South African Constitution. In
addition, other rights in other sections of the
Constitution also apply to them. South African

Privacy and Dignity

5.13.1  Promoting and protecting human dignity is the
cornerstone of the South African Constitution.
Therefore, as a public service media entity, the
SABC has a unique responsibility to protect and
respect human dignity and the right to privacy.
5.13.2  The SABC has a duty to uphold the Bill of
Rights and to respect the dignity and private
lives of individuals. For this reason and at all
times SABC journalists and all news staff should
respect individuals’ right to privacy, and not
violate such privacy unless it is justifiable and in
the public interest.
The Policy on Programming and Publishing provides a
comprehensive treatment of the SABC’s approach to
matters of privacy.
5.14 

Reporting on Suffering and Distress

5.14.1  In terms of the SABC Editorial Code, all news
staff are circumspect in covering brutality,
violence, atrocities and personal grief.
5.14.2  When covering accidents, disasters or conflict,
the SABC should always give a full, accurate
and factual account of relevant matters such as
time, location and casualty figures.
5.14.3 Providing content recklessly and asking
intrusive questions in a manner that may cause
unnecessary and excessive distress or anxiety to
those in grief must be avoided at all times.
5.14.4  SABC editorial staff must cover accidents,
disasters and loss of human lives with compassion
and sensitivity that is frank and genuine.

 News

Consequences of tragic events or disasters call for
considerable sensitivity on the part of the SABC’s
editorial staff. Reporting on such events should be
premised on the following well established principles:
5.14.5  Intrusive and graphic visuals of the dead should
not be shown unless doing so is absolutely
necessary and in the public interest.
5.14.6  Those injured or grieving should not be put
under any pressure to give interviews.
5.14.7  As far as reasonably possible, next of kin should
not first hear of bad news such as the death of a
loved one through news reportage.
5.14.8  A funeral should be covered only with the
permission of the family, and treated sensitively
and without intrusion, unless public interest
considerations are apparent.
5.14.9  The time of day of transmission, before or after
the watershed, and audience sensibilities should
always be considered.
5.14.10 When the content may be deemed offensive
and disturbing to some viewers or children, a
warning to that effect should be given.
5.14.11 News content should be prepared bearing in
mind that children watch television during the
day and early evening, especially when school
are in recess. This requires explicit warnings
about content that contains graphic details and
visuals of particularly disturbing nature.
5.14.12 In its coverage of crime, the SABC should
avoid a sensationalist approach that has no
context or explanation. The public news service
should report not only on the event, but also
the human consequences and the subsequent
judicial processes, as well as the potential causes
and possible solutions to the issue.
5.14.13 In covering issues of gender-based violence,
rape, child abuse, substance abuse and other
serious crimes, as well as self-harm, and
attempts to take life, the SABC acknowledges
the possibility of secondary trauma that
audiences may experience. Accordingly, the
SABC will endeavour in such cases to ensure
that information where audiences can seek help
or support is provided, for example help line
such as Life Line, Child Line, Rape Crisis, SADAG
and others.
These guidelines are elaborated on further in the Policy
on Programming and Publishing.
5.15 

National Events and Schedule Changes

5.15.1  The SABC gives full or extended live coverage
of events of national importance. In scheduling
these events, editorial staff should take into
account that they inevitably result in schedule
changes. Such events may include the opening
of Parliament, the budget speech, state
occasions such as visits by foreign dignitaries

27

and category-designated funerals; major
commemorative occasions, and the proceedings
of commissions of inquiry.
5.15.2  Other events that may warrant live coverage
and involve scheduling and programming
changes include major Parliamentary debates,
the opening of provincial legislatures, and
significant conferences of the major political
parties. Live coverage of events of national
importance requires approval of heads of the
relevant platforms, in consultation with senior
management.
5.15.3  When an event of national importance is of
a party political nature, editorial staff are to
ensure that the SABC policies on objectivity,
accuracy, fairness, impartiality and balance are
adhered to.
The Language Policy on Content outlines further
requirements for coverage events of national
importance.
5.16 

Live Productions

Live productions have a number of inherent risks. Some
can be foreseen and mitigated against while others are
spontaneous and risk bound. Briefings with the entire
production team are necessary to caution of such risks,
how to identify these, and to report these before and/or
as and when they happen.
Other related issues that may stem out of live productions
are:
5.16.1  Insults and or emotional inducing language;
5.16.2  Pejorative comments;
5.16.3  Defamatory remarks; and
5.16.4 Inaccuracies and wrong pronunciation of
names/countries
5.17 

Allocation of Resources

5.17.1  The SABC commits itself to ensuring fair
allocation of financial, human and technical
resources. In particular, attention is given to
the African and Sign Language services, so
that the needs of the audiences are met and
requirements of delivering offerings of excellent
quality are fulfilled.
5.17.2  In allocating its resources, the SABC takes into
account the historical imbalances between
English and Afrikaans on the one hand, and the
nine African languages on the other. Moreover,
the SABC takes into account that radio, owing to
its reach and intimate nature and for historical
reasons, remains the only medium accessible
for receiving essential news and information
for many. Special attention is therefore paid to
developing and expanding offering on services
that target language-specific audiences.

 28

5.18 

Universal Access to News Content

Through its Universal Service and Access Policy, which is
described separately, the SABC ensures that its language
services are accessible to all South Africans.
5.19 

Guidelines for Equitable Treatment of Language
in News

5.19.1  The term equitable means fair and reasonable,
but not necessarily equal treatment. In this
regard, the SABC aims to provide for every
official language on its multiple platforms, while
ensuring that content offerings are accessible to
as wide an audience as possible.
5.19.2  Ideally, and owing to resource availability,
the national television service should be
complemented by providing regional services
as was intended by the Act, to ensure fair
representation of all regions on the SABC’s
television platform. However, advancements
in technology and the SABC’s ever expanding
multiplatform services are to be taken
advantage of to ensure that this objective is still
achieved, albeit differently, more efficiently and
to a greater benefit for the audiences.
5.19.3  Equitability is achieved through a combination
of means, including unilingual and multilingual
content across all platforms.
5.19.4  Effort should be made to explore the use
of technologies such as subtitling to ensure
that content offerings are accessible to the
audiences. At times this objective is met the
best by offerings provided cognate or widely
understood languages. When this is applied, the
SABC should rotate the use of languages in any
cognate group in order to achieve equitability.
In striving to achieve equitability, the following matters
are taken into account:
5.19.5  The overall time allocated to each language;
5.19.6  Scheduling of programmes when the target
audiences are available;
5.19.7  The range of programme genres available in
each language; and
5.19.8  Financial and other resources for programmes
in each of the official languages.
In determining allocation of time to each language, the
SABC has due regard to:
5.19.9  The number of home language speakers in the
coverage area of a platform;
5.19.10 The geographical spread of the language;
5.19.11 The extent to which members of a language
community are able to understand other
languages;
5.19.12 The extent of marginalisation of the language;
5.19.13 The extent to which it is understood by other

News

South Africans; and
5.19.14 Available resources.
These criteria are intended to ensure that all the
languages receive air time, but not necessarily in equal
amounts. Moreover, when these criteria are applied
effectively, a greater amount of time allocated to
language-specific services should be dedicated to more
widely spoken or shared languages, while committing
to special initiatives for marginalised languages.
5.20 

Election Broadcasts

The News Editorial Policy is applicable both during
elections and outside of election periods. Outside of
elections, the SABC approaches its coverage of political
parties as it does its coverage of all other newsmakers. It
is guided by its commitment to editorial independence,
accuracy, impartiality, plurality, balance and inclusion.
As such this policy does not deal specifically with the
coverage of political parties outside of an election
period, as such coverage is subject to the BCCSA and
Press Codes. Coverage of election periods must adhere
to ICASA regulations, in addition to editorial values and
journalistic practice. The following matters are worth
noting during election periods:
5.20.1  News coverage during elections is a testing time
for the SABC. This is because it is during elections
in particular that commitment to editorial
independence, impartiality, transparency and
balance is scrutinised closely and evaluated
determinedly.
5.20.2  Election broadcasts are regulated by the ECA
and ICASA’s regulations, namely, the National
and Provincial Party Elections Broadcasts and
Political Advertisements Regulations. During an
election period, the SABC is bound to comply
with additional ICASA guidelines on equitable
coverage of political parties, that are applicable
only during an election period.
5.20.3  Notwithstanding the additional requirements,
news decisions on coverage during election
periods have, as is the case between elections,
to be based on news value and editorial merit,
and take account of the need to ensure that
attention is given to thorough examination
of the views, policies and campaigns of all the
main political parties.
5.20.4  Elections can also be a testing time for the
SABC’s editorial staff, who may experience
pressure from political parties seeking to
influence editorial decisions. While remaining
courteous, staff should always refer complaints
to the appropriate authority, ICASA.
5.20.5  News staff are required to study, understand
and observe the statutory provisions on
election coverage in the ECA (see sections 56,
57, 58, and 59) and ICASA’s regulations. These
requirements include the limitations on Party

 News

5.20.6 

5.20.7 

5.20.8 

5.20.9 

5.20.10

5.21 

Election Broadcasts, the time to be made
available to political parties, the duration and
scheduling of Party Election Broadcasts, and
political advertising during election periods.
News staff should also familiarise themselves
with any internal guidelines developed for
election coverage, including policies such as
the National and Provincial Party Elections
Broadcasts
and
Political
Advertisements
Regulations.
No employees other than editorial staff may
engage in any editorial decision making. As
is the case outside election periods, editorial
decision making is a legally-protected exclusive
domain of designated editorial staff.
No member of the editorial staff of the SABC
may engage in any public or tacit declaration
of support for any political party. This involves
a prohibition on wearing party regalia,
electioneering and posing for pictures with any
of the parties to the election coverage.
The SABC shall, in compliance with the ECA,
cease party election broadcasts 48 hours before
the polling period begins.
Coverage of political activities and campaign
shall be ended 48 hours before the polling
period begins, to allow time to deal with
outstanding complaints, and to avoid situations
where continued coverage may give rise to
demands for the right to reply too close to the
start of the voting period.
Restrictions on Sponsorship of News-Related
Content

The SABC’s approach to the sponsorship of news,
current affairs and information programmes takes
into account our public and commercial services’
programming responsibilities, applicable legal and
regulatory requirements as stipulated from time to time
by ICASA, and the overall performance and well-being
of our stations and channels.
5.21.1  Like ICASA, the SABC seeks to ensure that
editorial control and content decision remain
the domain of the newsroom. Accordingly, it
is the responsibility of the SABC’s editorial staff
to ensure that editorial independence and
integrity are not influenced by the presence of
advertising and sponsorship.
5.21.2 Sponsorship of news and heavily-editorial
current affairs content on television is prohibited
by ICASA, and is therefore not allowed by the
SABC.
5.21.3  In line with the fact that it is currently permitted
by ICASA, the SABC’s policy is to allow for the
sponsorship of radio news and current affairs
content.
5.21.4  Weather forecasts and sports content that

29

form part of television news bulletins may be
sponsored.
5.21.5  Any product placement within news and current
affairs content is strictly forbidden.
5.21.6  However, content offerings that fall within the
Informal Knowledge Building (IKB) category,
although they may be produced by the news
division, could be sponsored. In such instances,
these must be disclosed fully and prominently
during the said programmes. These include but
are not limited to, travel shows, themed industry
exhibitions, inserts on health tips, personal and
business finance inserts. While produced with
same editorial rigour, these programmes are
not hard news, current affairs or investigative in
nature, but merely informative and educational.
Due care must be taken to ensure that such
sponsorship does not influence decisions on
how the content is treated editorially.
5.21.7  It should be indicated clearly when an outside
organisation has contributed to the cost
of newsgathering, such as travelling and
accommodation costs.

  

 

 

32

Language

6.2 

6. Language

Policy on
Content
6.1 Introduction

As South Africa’s public service media, the SABC embraces
its constitutional duty to treat all official languages
equitably, and with equal respect. The Constitution
also recognises the need to promote South African Sign
Language and the Khoi, Nama and San languages. The
SABC is conscious of its role in facilitating the fulfilment
of language rights of individuals and communities.
This Language Policy is derived further from the
Corporation’s commitment to freedom of expression,
which is protected by the Constitution, including
the right of all South Africans to receive and impart
information. The SABC recognises that:
freedom of expression can be realised fully only
when every South African can inform and be
informed in their language of choice. Access to
meaningful information also empowers South
Africans to participate effectively in every facet
of society.
6.1.2  language plays a crucial role in promoting and
attaining the goals of strengthening democracy,
and protecting and developing the country’s
uniquely diverse cultures.
6.1.3  development and usage of languages is closely
linked to the development of culture and
identity.
6.1.4  owing to its virtual universal accessibility and
use, the SABC has a unique responsibility to
provide content offerings that promote the
development of a national identity while
supporting the advancement of languages and
cultures.
6.1.5  South Africa, and consequently the SABC, is
faced with the daunting challenge of bringing
marginalised national languages, cultures and
identities into the mainstream, so that they can
develop and flourish, and become a core part of
the nation-building project.

Statement of Commitment

This policy takes into account the provisions of the
Constitution on language, and a range of legislative and
regulatory requirements, in particular those contained
in the Act, the ECA and ICASA policies and regulations.
Drawing on these, the SABC commits itself to:
6.2.1  providing a range of distinctive, creative,
compelling and top quality content in all official
languages across its platforms;
6.2.2  reflecting the needs of each language
community in its content offerings;
6.2.3  maintaining distinct and separate radio services
in each of the official languages;
6.2.4  treating all official languages equitably on all
its platforms;
6.2.5  integrating the South African Sign Language
into its offerings as a means of making content
accessible to people with hearing disabilities;
and
6.2.6  including other non-official languages spoken
in South Africa, with particular emphasis on the
Khoi, Nama and San languages.
In acting on these commitments the SABC will be guided
by the following:
6.2.7 

6.2.8 

6.1.1 

6.2.9 

6.2.10 

6.2.11 

6.3 

The need for key institutions, in addition to the
SABC, to take practical and positive steps to
treat all the official languages fairly;
The need to address the marginalisation of
indigenous languages and the South African
Sign Language in recognition of the impact of
the previous systematic deprecation of those
languages;
The obligation to reflect the linguistic and
cultural diversity, and multilingual nature of
South Africa while promoting national unity;
The SABC’s responsibility to be responsive to the
needs of all South Africans, including persons
with disabilities.; and
The importance of language in communication
as the carrier of values, attitudes, culture and
expression.
Aims and Objectives

The SABC’s primary role is to make its content
accessible to all its audiences. In this regard language
is fundamental to meaningful communication. In line
with this, the SABC aims to:
6.3.1 
6.3.2 

inform, educate and entertain South Africans in
their home or preferred languages;
promote understanding and acceptance of and
between the linguistic and cultural groups in
South Africa;

 Language

6.3.3  contribute to continual development of the
official languages and the South African Sign
Language; and
6.3.4  promote multilingualism in South Africa.
6.4 

Scope of the Policy

The SABC is, in terms of the Act and the ECA, required to
provide content in all the official languages and to cater
specifically for the needs of persons with disabilities.
Accordingly, this is an overarching policy, affecting many
activities of the Corporation.
This policy should therefore be considered when the
SABC:
6.4.1 
6.4.2 
6.4.3 
6.4.4 
6.4.5 

6.4.6 
6.4.7 

6.5 

develops strategic plans for the Corporation;
develops business plans and budgets for the
Corporation;
formulates content strategies, policies and plans
for its multiplatform environment;
determines training needs and initiatives;
develops audience research projects to gauge
the needs of viewers and listeners and to assess
response to content offerings;
formulates plans for universal service and access
to content; and
investigates and formulates plans for the use of
innovative technology.
Language in National Events Coverage

The SABC is committed to covering events of national
importance, such as the annual State of the Nation
Address and the Budget Speech, that warrant full
or extended live coverage. Coverage of these events
gives South Africans access to important and relevant
information about the state and direction of the
country. On such occasions, the SABC ensures that
they are covered by all of its language-specific content
services and on all platforms. To this end, the language
services collaborate with, and complement, one
another’s content plans and schedules. The Policy on
News and Editorial Content provides more information
on coverage of national importance.
6.6 
6.6.1 

Language in Content Offerings

In fulfilling its duty to protect and nurture South
Africa’s official languages, the SABC strives to
ensure that they are all spoken correctly. In
doing so the SABC commits itself to celebrating
the rich diversity of dialects and accents in each
language group.
6.6.2  The SABC recognises that languages are
dynamic, continually developing and adapting
to circumstances, and that content offerings
should therefore take into account the evolution
of languages.

33

6.6.3 

Moreover, language usage should accord with
the content genre. It is fair to assume that more
formal language would be used in news content,
whereas more conversational, colloquial or
everyday language would be used in drama.
6.6.4  Language provisioning in content services
should also take account of social expectations
and values of different language groups, and
the right of every South African to be treated
with respect and dignity.
6.6.5  Language usage in content services should
therefore avoid giving offence and causing hurt
unnecessarily.
6.6.6  Use of language in content should encourage
respect and concern for everyone, and be free
of elements such as prejudice, racist and sexist
connotations. The Programming and Publishing
Policy and the News Editorial Policy expand
further on this issue.
6.7 

Operating Principles

In striving to play its part in reaching these common
national goals, the SABC’s Language Policy on Content
takes account of, and is shaped by, a number of
operating principles:
6.7.1 

Use of groupings of cognate, shared and widely
understood languages so as to make the most
cost effective use of scarce resources;
6.7.2  Paying special attention to marginalised
languages;
6.7.3  Attainment of language objectives, including
the use of South African Sign Language, in
targeted content genres;
6.7.4  Combined use of unilingual and multilingual
content offerings;
6.7.5  Coverage of events of national importance to
promote the development of national identity,
unity and nation building;
6.7.6  Equitable allocation of resources to achieve
quality in content on all platforms;
6.7.7  Application of appropriate technologies
to achieve language coverage and access
objectives;
6.7.8  Use of research to understand audiences’
language needs in content;
6.7.9  Introduction of annual plans to focus
implementation and monitoring of the
Language Policy; and
6.7.10 
Development
of
mutually
beneficial
relationships with key social partners, notably
the Pan South African Language Board
(PANSALB), South African Translators’ Institute
(SATI), the African Languages Association of
Southern Africa, and many others.
6.8 

Language in Radio Content and Services

Radio is still the most widely consumed and most

 34

accessible medium in South Africa. As audiences have
fragmented increasingly into niche markets, this has
put a special responsibility on the SABC to offer South
Africans a wide range of content offerings irrespective
of age, income or language. Accordingly, the SABC is
charged with providing quality radio services in all
official languages. In making this pledge the SABC notes:
6.8.1 

The crucial part radio plays in the lives of many
South Africans, as it is often the only medium
available to them in their home or preferred
language, and in many instances the only
medium available at all;
6.8.2 The
under-development
of
previously
marginalised languages in South Africa, which
must be redressed if the commitment to
delivering excellent content offerings on radio
is to be met; and
6.8.3  The unique part radio plays in promoting
people’s right to receive information, to express
themselves, and to inform others.
The SABC further commits itself to providing quality
radio content in non-official South African languages,
in particular in the Khoi, Nama and San languages.
6.9 

Content Guidelines

A language service should be sensitive to and reflect the
needs and lifestyles of the speakers of that language,
including those of children, young people, urban and
rural dwellers, and the elderly
6.9.1 

A language service should provide content in
genres such as news and information, children’s/
educational programmes, and entertainment;
6.9.2  Content should aim to reflect the realities of
the target audience, while recognising their
right to a wide range of content offerings from
throughout South Africa and the world; and
6.9.3  Content should aim to foster unity and a
common South African identity.
6.10 

Language

6.11.1  Children require informative, educational and
entertaining programmes of excellent quality,
in their home or preferred languages, aimed
specifically at addressing their needs and
instilling a sense of pride in their culture and
language. These needs vary according to the
circumstances and ages of children, from preschool to school going and adolescence.
6.11.2  Language-specific content on radio platforms
has a critical role in nurturing and developing
children’s language capacity, and cultural
knowledge and experiences.
6.11.3  Targeted content offerings can also assist in
promoting understanding between children of
different linguistic and cultural communities.
The SABC addresses the needs of children in its languagespecific radio and television content by offering
services that cater specifically for them. The Policy on
Programming and Publishing gives more information on
children’s content.
6.12 

Allocation of Resources for Language Services

6.12.1  The SABC commits itself to ensuring fair
allocation of financial and other resources to
all language services. This is to enable and
support initiatives geared at providing content
of excellent quality, and allowing audiences to
access and consume content in their preferred
languages.
6.12.2  In allocating its resources, the SABC takes into
account the historical discrepancies between
English and Afrikaans, which were prioritised in
the past, and the nine official African languages
that still require development and support.
6.13 

Language Services and Universal Access

Through its Universal Service and Access Policy, which is
described separately, the SABC ensures that its language
services are accessible to South Africans who speak
those languages.

Language in News and Information Services
6.13.1  Languages on Television

The SABC recognises the important part news and
information programmes play in enabling every South
African to participate effectively, and from an informed
basis, in human development and building democracy.
Meaningful access to information is therefore essential,
and involves not only reporting events, but analysing
issues of significance as well. Noting this, the SABC is
committed to providing comprehensive news and
current affairs content on radio in all official languages.
6.11 

Language in Children’s Content

The Act requires the SABC
programming needs as follows:

to

meet

children’s

The SABC is committed to treating all the county’s official
languages equitably on its television content. This is
achieved across the television portfolio. Since the prime
time block is relatively short (18h00-22h00), over time,
the SABC commits to increasing the air-time of other
official but marginalised languages, by implementing
innovative ways for providing content equitably. One
such strategy being explored is to the scheduling of
content in different languages on and across SABC
television channels in a complementary way.
In fulfilling its mandate to provide content in all official
languages on television, the SABC takes into account
the following:

 Language

6.13.1.1 
The Constitutional requirement to treat all
official languages equitably;
6.13.1.2 
The comparatively little television air time
available, especially in prime time, and the
complexities of allocating time equitably to all
official languages;
6.13.1.3 The similarities and differences between official
languages. For example, certain languages are
part of a cognate group while others are not
but are shared and understood by different
communities. Some are neither commonly
understood nor widely spoken. In addition,
some language communities are much bigger
than others;
6.13.1.4 
The realisation that certain languages are
recognised as being more marginalised than
others (XiTsonga, TshiVenda, SiSwati and
IsiNdebele) and the additional responsibility
this places on the SABC to take cognisance of
such in content offerings;
6.13.1.5 The need to address historical marginalisation
of the vast majority of South Africans and their
languages, in order to realise the rights of all
people to equality and dignity; and
6.13.1.6 The unique potential of television to showcase
cultures and languages creatively; to nurture
people’s knowledge and experience of one
another, and to contribute to developing a
national identity.
6.13.2  Guidelines for Equitable Treatment of
Languages
6.13.2.1 The term equitable does not mean equal but
fair and reasonable. In this regard, the SABC
aims to use all official languages in its offerings
on television, while ensuring that content is
accessible to the greater majority of the public.
6.13.2.2 Equitability is achieved through a combination
of means, including unilingual and multilingual
offerings.
6.13.2.3 The SABC strives to use technologies such as
subtitling, to ensure that content is accessible
to a wider audience. At times this objective is
best met by broadcasting in cognate or widely
understood languages. When this is applied,
the SABC rotates the use of languages in any
cognate group in order to achieve equitability.
In striving to achieve equitability, the following matters
are taken into account:
6.13.2.4 
The overall time allocated to each official
language;
6.13.2.5 Scheduling of content when target audiences
are available;
6.13.2.6 The range of content genres available in each
official language; and
6.13.2.7 Financial and other resources for content in
each official language.

35

In determining allocation of time to each language, the
SABC has due regard to:
6.13.2.8   The number of home language speakers in the
coverage area of a channel;
6.13.2.9   The geographical spread of the language;
6.13.2.10 The extent to which members of a language
community are able to understand other
Languages;
6.13.2.11 The extent of marginalisation of the language;
6.13.2.12 The extent to which it is understood by other
South Africans; and
6.13.2.13 Available resources.
These criteria are intended to ensure that all the
languages receive some air time, but not necessarily
in equal amounts. Moreover, when these criteria are
applied effectively, a greater amount of air-time is
allocated to more widely spoken or shared languages,
while a concerted effort is being made to allocate
resource to marginalised languages, including new
technologies.
6.13.3  Language Access and Television Content
For television content, the SABC commits itself to:
6.13.3.1 broadcast a range of top quality content in each
of the official languages across its television
portfolio, in order to meet the information,
education and entertainment needs of
audiences comprehensively;
6.13.3.2 
produce and screen news and information,
children’s educational content, and drama in
different languages, while not neglecting other
genres;
6.13.3.3 ensure that content in specific languages are
broadcast at times to suit most of the members
of the target audience in that language
community;
6.13.3.4 provide content broadcast programmes in the
different languages that reflect the needs,
lifestyles and circumstances of speakers of that
language, including the children, young people,
urban and rural dwellers, and the elderly;
6.13.3.5 ensure that scheduling of content is sensitive
to audiences’ right to have access to a range of
content offerings in their home and preferred
languages. To this end, television programmes
across the channels are scheduled in a
complementary manner;
6.13.3.6 
ascertain that programmes are aimed at
fostering unity and a common South African
identity, and at promoting cross-cultural
knowledge, appreciation and understanding;
and
6.13.3.7 ensure that SABC creatively combines unilingual
and multilingual programmes, and uses
broadcasting technologies such as subtitling, to
reach its language goals.

 36

6.13.4  Unilingual and Multingual Content
6.13.4.1 It is the duty of the SABC to ensure that across
its television portfolio, some of the content is
dedicated to each official language. A content
offering is classified as being in an official
language if most of the material is in that
language.
6.13.4.2 The SABC is conscious of the part multilingual
content can play in promoting knowledge and
understanding of the country’s diversity of
languages and cultures. When used creatively,
such content can also reach out to wider
audiences.
6.13.4.3 For that reason, the SABC actively encourages
production of meaningful multilingual content
as a means of attaining its language objectives.
Multilingual content is that which includes
substantial amounts of more than one official
language.
6.13.5  Language Access and Television News
The SABC is specifically obligated to provide
comprehensive news and information programmes. As
stated previously in the Policy on News and Editorial
Content, meaningful access to information involves not
only covering events, but providing substantial analysis
of issues surrounding such events. Accordingly, the
following principles apply to all the SABC news, current
affairs and information on television:
6.13.5.1 The SABC provides television news content in all
official languages, and is sensitive to audience
availability in scheduling news content;
6.13.5.2 Given the constraints of channel air time, the
SABC makes use of cognate languages for
news content on a rotational basis, and widely
understood languages to meet its public
obligation; and
6.13.5.3 The SABC ensures that news content, including
current affairs and documentaries, serve the
needs of different language communities. In
meeting this commitment, the SABC takes due
cognisance of the fact that several languages are
cognate to each other, or widely understood.
6.13.6  Language Access and National Events Coverage
6.13.6.1 The SABC is committed to broadcasting events
of national importance that warrant partial,
full or extended live coverage, such as the State
of the Nation address, the Budget speech and
commissions of inquiry. When such events are
televised, the SABC strives to ensure that the
content is accessible to the widest range of
South African language communities.
6.13.6.2 This is achieved, and can be further enhanced
through the use of a combination of cognate
languages and widely understood languages,

Language

and innovative use of technology such as
multiple soundtracks, subtitling, and Sign
Language.
6.13.6.3 
Regarding the above, the SABC strives to
broadcast events of national importance in
the six language groups as provided for in
the National Language Policy Framework,
developed by the Department of Arts and
Culture. The Policy on News and Editorial
Content provides extensive information on the
coverage of events of national importance.
6.13.7  Language Access and Children’s Programmes
6.13.7.1 Children require informative, educational and
entertaining programming of excellent quality,
in their home and/or preferred languages that
are aimed specifically at addressing their needs
and instilling a sense of pride in their culture
and language. These needs vary according to
the circumstances and ages of children, from
pre-school to school going and adolescence.
The SABC recognises that many children,
particularly pre-school children, understand
only their home language.
6.13.7.2 The SABC strives to provide a range of top quality
educational, informative and entertaining
television content for children of different age
groups that are responsive to their language
needs. This can be accomplished by such means
as dubbing, multilingual content and subtitling
that is age appropriate.
6.13.7.3 
When acquiring and scheduling children’s
programmes the SABC takes children’s
language requirements into account. More
information on children’s content is detailed in
the Programming and Publishing Policy.
6.13.8  Language Access and Drama
6.13.8.1 Drama provides a unique means of telling our
South African stories, and learning from and
about one another. The SABC broadcasts top
quality South African dramas on television and
soon to be extended to digital platforms via
video-on-demand and other Over-the-Top (OTT)
platforms.
6.13.8.2 SABC dramas include and reflect South African
languages and cultures.
6.13.8.3 
The SABC further undertakes to investigate
innovative and creative ways of ensuring that
such dramas are accessible to as wide a range
of audiences as possible, such as multilingual
productions, subtitling, and dubbing.
6.13.9  Language Access and People with Disabilities
6.13.9.1 The SABC is committed to responding to the
broadcasting needs of all its audiences across
the board. Responding effectively to the needs

 Language

of people with disabilities is an important part
of its public mandate.
6.13.9.2 The SABC develops specific plans to facilitate
access to its content for persons with disabilities.
6.13.9.3 
Provision of content in South African Sign
Language, as a recognised South African
language, is one of the means of meeting the
needs of people with hearing disabilities. While
the provision of Sign Language Interpreting
(SLI) facilities enables access to content by
persons with hearing disabilities, it also creates
interaction with, and understanding of this
community, while contributing to nation
building.
6.13.9.4 
The SABC is progressively expanding the
amount of content that is SLI-enabled, starting
with selected news and current affairs content,
and events of national importance.
6.13.9.5 Special efforts are being made to provide SLI
when programmes are recorded in front of live
audiences. Such efforts facilitate participation
by people with hearing disabilities.
6.13.9.6 While focusing on providing content that is
SLI-enabled, the SABC also acknowledges that
a holistic approach is needed to address the
needs of the community. In this regard, closed
captioning may offer a viable solution.
6.13.9.7 
The SABC will continue to explore various
technologies which may assist in resolving some
of the current barriers.
6.13.9.8 In meeting the content needs of people with
visual impairment, the SABC undertakes to
investigate the use of innovative technologies
such as audio-description.
6.13.10  Language Access and Allocation of Resources
The SABC acknowledges that it is currently faced with
limited air time and other programming and publishing
resources. In order to achieve its language objectives,
the SABC undertakes to achieve fair and equitable
allocation of financial and other resources when
commissioning, scheduling and publishing content in
official languages.
6.13.11  Languages and Universal Service and Access
The Act requires that, as circumstances permit, a
wide variety of content in the country’s official
languages should be extended to all South Africans.
The SABC undertakes to pursue this objective with
full consideration of its multiplatform environment,
through the Universal Service and Access Policy.
6.13.12  Language Access and Research
The needs and demographics of our language
communities are changing and evolving continually.
Since the SABC is committed to serving the content
needs of these communities, it undertakes to research

37

these needs regularly, and to ensure that such research
informs its commissioning, scheduling and publishing
strategies. The SABC also makes use of research to assess
whether the strategies and innovations it implements
meet audience expectations adequately.
6.13.13  Language Access and Technology
The SABC recognises that technology offers innovative
means of meeting the challenges of providing content
in the country’s official languages and South African
Sign Language. The organisation therefore commits
to undertaking relevant research into the creative use
of technologies to facilitate the implementation of its
mandate as it pertains to language.
6.13.14  Relationships with other Organisations
The SABC recognises that it has a significant part to play
in contributing to equitable treatment of the country’s
official languages and the South African Sign Language.
It believes it can fulfil its responsibilities effectively in
collaboration with other organisations that have also
been established to further these aims, such as the Pan
South African Language Board. The SABC also considers
other institutions like universities, professional bodies,
research institutes and subject experts in this regard.
It therefore establishes mutually-beneficial working
relationships with such organisations, to facilitate
compliance with the Language Policy on Content
outlined in this document.
6.13.15  Monitoring and Implementation
The SABC Board requires management to submit an
annual forward-looking language action plan that
identifies future goals arising from this policy. A
summary of achievements of the previous year is also
to be attached to the language action plan in order to
facilitate a review of the achievements, opportunities
and challenges.

  

 

Universal
SerVIces

40

Universal Services

7. Universal

Service
and Access Policy
The SABC as a major player in the audio-visual content
services sector, has a crucial role to play in bridging the
digital divide, by providing Universal Service and Access
in South Africa.
Sections 8 (a), (b) and (d) of the Act enjoins the SABC to
work towards making its services available throughout
the Republic of South Africa, by providing sound and
television broadcasting services whether by analogue
or digital means in its public broadcasting service.
The SABC envisions itself as a digitised national public
broadcaster that provides compelling informative,
educational and entertaining content via all platforms.
It further provides programming content in all official
languages including the Xu! and Kwe!
This document sets out a policy on Universal Service and
Access for the SABC’s services. It aims to facilitate the
provision of a comprehensive end-to-end public service
for all South Africans.
7.1 

Context of this Policy

The changes in the audio-visual content industry, in line
with technological advancements, make it imperative
for this policy to be flexible and dynamic. The aim is
to ensure that uncertainty about future developments
in the South African broadcasting sector do not
discourage much needed future investment in the
sector, nor hamper planning efforts to expand coverage
and services.
Legislation, regulations and public policy directives in
the South African communications sector are already
framed in the language of technological convergence,
in which the general approach to regulation is based on
a three-tier structure: networks, services and content.
Regulatory developments in highly industrialised
regions of the world have already adapted to the
needs of addressing convergence. They have also relied
heavily on competition law to regulate transmission
networks and trade in audio-visual products and
services. Separate policies and regulations have been

developed to deal with the goals of cultural and social
policy, including extension of public service media.
From a technological point of view, the developments
in OTT services and digital broadcasting technology
are enabling the SABC to provide Universal Service
and Access through its multiplatform services. Apart
from OTT services, Digital Satellite technology (DTH),
Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and Digital Audio
Broadcasting (DAB) have all introduced innovations that
allow people to access the SABC services on multiple
platforms and devices.
7.2 

Scope of the Policy

The SABC’s commitment to Universal Service and Access
extends across its multiplatform portfolio. To this end,
all SABC Radio and Television Services are available
on the DTH, DTT and OTT platforms. Through this
policy the SABC seeks to provide public audio-visual
content services to every citizen in the country using its
multiplatform services. In line with the SABC’s mission
to provide “content that is accessible to all, anytime,
anywhere” the following are to be considered:
7.2.1 
7.2.2 
7.2.3 

7.3 

SABC mobile and online offerings should
include low bandwidth formats;
ensure that online and social media content is
usable on data zero-rated platforms; and
utilise low bandwidth multimedia distribution
platforms where possible to ensure that its
online content is universally accessible.
Monitoring and Implementation

An annual action plan will be submitted to the Board
by the executive management for monitoring and
evaluation purposes. A summary of the previous year’s
achievements should be attached to the Universal
Access and Service annual plan to review performance,
track delivery and monitor emerging trends for future
exploitation.

  

Local Content

42

Local Content

8. Policy

on Local
Content
8.1 Introduction
As South Africa’s public service media entity, the SABC
is firmly committed to supporting the South African
music and production industries by providing local
television content and South African music. The SABC
believes that South African such content plays a key
part in reflecting and celebrating our country’s diverse
people and cultures. Given the neglect and degradation
of many aspects of South African cultural expression in
the past, local content on the public broadcaster helps
to restore a sense of pride and dignity in local music,
performance, film and the arts. This, in turn, assists
in furthering important public interest goals such as
nation-building and reconciliation.
The SABC also recognises that providing local content
on its multiplatform service can contribute to promoting
growth of the music, production and associated cultural
industries. Nevertheless, the ability of the SABC services
to provide high levels of local content is influenced
by market dynamics in the local music and production
industries. For instance, the music industry does not
always produce South African music consistently across
all the music formats. As far as television content
is concerned, the cost of local material is usually
significantly more than international programmes.
In an environment where programming is funded
primarily through advertising, there is also pressure on
the SABC to screen material that would draw audiences
and revenue.
This is the context in which the SABC operates, and
in which it seeks to demonstrate its commitment to
providing local content, while taking into account
intense competition from new streaming services locally
and globally.
8.2 

Requirements and Commitments

Various regulatory and legislative requirements
applicable to the SABC in terms of local content were
taken into account in developing this policy. They
include those of the Act , the ECA and relevant ICASA
regulations.

Specifically, the SABC has been guided by the
requirements that:
8.2.1  content services, viewed collectively, develop
and protect national and regional identity,
culture and character;
8.2.2  the SABC to take into account the needs of its
audiences;
8.2.3  the SABC should showcase South African talent;
8.2.4  the SABC should reflect South African attitudes,
opinions, ideas, values and artistic creativity;
8.2.5  the SABC should offer a plurality of views and a
variety of news, analysis and information from
a South African point of view;
8.2.6  that SABC needs to support the production of
local content by South Africans, particularly by
historically disadvantaged people; and
8.2.7  the SABC should consider specific quotas set by
ICASA for local television content, independent
production and South African music on the
SABC’s public and commercial services.
In accordance with those obligations, the SABC commits
itself to the following:
8.2.8  ensuring that local television content is a
significant and visible part of its schedules,
throughout the scheduling period and in prime
time, in line with the quotas prescribed by
ICASA;
8.2.9  ensuring that it commissions a significant
amount of its local television content from the
independent production industry, in line with
the quotas prescribed by ICASA; and
8.2.10  Continuing to play a high level and wide variety
of South African music across the SABC radio
stations, in line with the quotas prescribed by
ICASA.
8.3 

Scope of the Policy

The imperative to deliver significant levels of local
content has a direct impact on the SABC’s multiplatform
environment, unless stated otherwise. These services
are obligated to comply with the ICASA regulations and
licence conditions on local content. This Local Content
Policy should be read together with those requirements
and applies to all the SABC’s designated platforms,
and may evolve with the changes in the operating and
technological environment. It is the responsibility of the
licensees to comply with local content quotas. These

 Local Content

43

quotas make no distinction between public and
commercial services.

platforms prescribe and agree the proportions of local
content with Content Hub, News, Education and Sport.
The policy should be considered when the SABC:
8.3.1 
8.3.2 
8.3.3 

develops strategic plans and/or Key Performance
Indicators for the Corporation;
develops business plans and budgets for the
Corporation and its services; and
formulates content strategies, policies and plans
for all platforms.

8.4 

Local Content on Television

8.4.1 

Definition of Local Television Content

Local television content is defined in the ECA as a
television programme (excluding broadcasts of sports
events and compilations of them, advertisements,
teletext and continuity announcements) that is
produced by a South African broadcaster, or by South
African people.

All the quotas are set out in regulations which may be
reviewed by ICASA when necessary.
8.4.4 

It is the responsibility of each television channel to
ensure compliance with the local content quotas. Policy
and Regulatory Affairs works with the channels to
ensure consistency in the designation and measurement
of local content, and adequate forecasting to identify
any potential difficulties in meeting the quotas.
Policy and Regulatory Affairs consolidates the
information received from channels and compiles it into
reports that are submitted to top management. Annual
local content compliance figures and ICASA figures
are published in the Corporation’s Annual Report to
Parliament.
8.4.5 

8.4.2 

SABC’s Local Content Approach on Television

Definition of Independent Production

Also in the ECA, an independent production is defined as
a production of local television content by a person who
is not employed directly or indirectly by a broadcaster,
or by a person who is not controlled by, or in control of,
any broadcasting licensee.
8.4.3 

Television Compliance with Quotas

Local Content Quotas for Television

The SABC is bound by the local content and independent
production quotas prescribed by ICASA. There are three
sets of quotas for television:
8.4.3.1  Global local content quotas for each television
bouquet. These stipulate that a percentage of
the air time between 05:00 and 23:00 should be
allocated to local content. The global quotas
distinguish between public and commercial
bouquets.
8.4.3.2  Genre quotas. These stipulate that if a television
channel carries a certain genre of programming
(such as drama), a percentage of that type of
content is to be allocated to local content. The
genres are defined in the ICASA regulations and
span the following six areas: drama, informal
knowledge building, and content for children,
education, documentary and current affairs. In
each case a minimum percentage is prescribed.
These quotas also distinguish between public
and commercial bouquets.
8.4.3.3 Independent production quotas.
Here the
stipulation is that a percentage of the total
amount of local content aired must be allocated
to independent television productions. These

The following principles underpin the SABC’s approach
to local content on television:
8.4.5.1  In line with the distinction between commercial
and public service bouquets made by ICASA,
the most significant delivery of local content
is on the SABC’s public service platforms. The
SABC believes it is appropriate for its public
service platforms to have the most significant
commitment to airing local material.
8.4.5.2  The SABC undertakes to provide a range of
good quality local productions. This means
the television portfolio as a whole airs local
content in a variety of content genres targeted
at different audiences. Taken collectively across
the SABC’s television portfolio, this content
should reflect South Africa’s diversity of people,
provinces, languages, cultures and religions,
while also being aligned to the needs of the
audience.
8.4.5.3  The SABC is also aware that historically there
has been a lack of good quality local material in
African languages. It is a dual objective of this
policy, and of the Language Policy on Content
as well as the Policy on Programming and
Publishing, for local African languages content
to be seen on public service television channels.
8.4.5.4 The SABC is eager to support development
of television content on the African content
and, if possible, will endeavour to showcase
such material, particularly on its public service
platforms.
8.4.5.5 The SABC recognises that a productive and
thriving relationship with the independent

 44

production sector is essential for the provision
of good quality local content. As part of its
commitment to strengthening the relationship
with this sector, the SABC has published a
separate policy and procedures on Procurement
of Local Content, which details the SABC’s policy
and procedures for commissioning and acquiring
local material. This policy also outlines the
SABC’s approach to supporting Black Economic
Empowerment in the production industry which
it has identified as an important objective.
8.4.5.6  The SABC recognises that it is the industry’s
biggest investor in skills development.
Aligned to its investment in local content is a
commitment to investing in empowerment and
skills development processes that benefit the
industry at large.
8.4.5.7  The SABC strives to engage more fruitfully with
partner organisations in the film and television
industry in order to support development and
transformation of the local production industry.
8.5 

Local Content on Radio

8.5.1 

Definition of South African Music

South African music as defined in the ECA is that in
order to qualify as South African music, a musical work
must meet at least two of the following criteria:
8.5.1.1  The lyrics are written by a South African citizen;
8.5.1.2 The music is composed by a South African
citizen;
8.5.1.3  The music and/or lyrics are performed principally
by musicians who are South African citizens;
and
8.5.1.4  The musical work is a live performance recorded
wholly in South Africa, or performed wholly in
South Africa, and broadcast live in South Africa.

Local Content

are made to top management, and annual figures
are published in the Corporation’s Annual Report to
Parliament.
8.5.4 

The following principles underpin the SABC’s support
for South African music:
8.5.4.1  ICASA makes a distinction between the level
of local content expected from public service
stations and from commercial stations, and has
set a higher quota for public service stations.
The SABC concurs that its public service stations
should lead the way in supporting South African
music.
8.5.4.2  With 18 radio stations providing content in all
official languages, and in a range of formats,
SABC radio stations are uniquely placed to
showcase the wide range of musical expression
in South Africa. The SABC undertakes to use its
stations effectively to explore and celebrate the
diversity of South African music.
8.5.4.3  Whereas the allocation of air time to South
African music will always be the primary means
of supporting local music, the SABC believes
there are a number of other equally effective
interventions that SABC radio platforms are
able to make in support of local music. The
SABC gives publicity to local musicians through
interviews, reviews and promotions. The
stations, both public service and commercial,
also stage live events every year in partnership
with South African acts.
8.5.4.4  The SABC strives to support the development
of music on the African continent, and where
possible will showcase such music.
8.6 

8.5.2 

Monitoring and Implementation

Radio Quotas for South African Music

The SABC’s designated radio stations are obliged to
comply with the South African music quotas prescribed
by ICASA. These quotas stipulate that a percentage of
the tracks played between 05:00 and 23:00 are to be
South African. A distinction is made between public
service and commercial radio. The quotas are reviewed
by ICASA when necessary.
8.5.3 

The SABC’s Approach to South African Music on
Radio

Radio Compliance with Quotas

It is the responsibility of each radio station to ensure
that they comply with the local content quotas
applicable to them. They are assisted by the SABC’s
Policy and Regulatory Affairs department in reporting
their compliance to ICASA. Quarterly compliance reports

The Board requires management to submit a forwardlooking annual local content action plan that identifies
future goals arising from this policy. A summary of
achievements of the previous year is to be attached to the
local content action plan in order to facilitate a review
of the achievements, opportunities and challenges.

  

Religious
Broadcastmg

46

Religion

9. Policy

on
Religious Content
9.1 Introduction
South Africa is a multicultural and multi-faith society
that is united by a common humanity and moral order.
Within its diversity there are human values that call
for the promotion of social harmony, national healing,
reconciliation, social reconstruction and nation building.
Most South Africans associate with a variety of faiths,
beliefs and practices. The SABC has a public interest
obligation to provide content in a manner that is
unbiased and representative of South Africa’s multifaith character. In so doing, the SABC seeks to promote
mutual respect for all faiths.
The SABC’s content should therefore reflect South
Africa’s major faiths, while allowing expression for
those that do not have an extensive following. For the
purposes of this policy, major faiths are understood to
include Christianity, African Traditional Religion, Islam,
Hinduism and Judaism.
In its content, the SABC seeks to correct gender, racial,
religious and resource allocation imbalances associated
with faith-based offerings in the past. It further seeks to
ensure that the distinctive identities of the traditions are
reflected in a way that facilitates the moral objectives
of justice, social harmony and the common good. Faithcentric content should play a meaningful part in the
moral regeneration of South Africa.
Such content should be provided in accordance with
values that include:
9.1.1 

Sensitivity to the diverse nature of South African
society and the need for justice, healing and
reconciliation;
9.1.2  Compassion and concern for human dignity and
for all life, including the earth
9.1.3  A common South African identity;
9.1.4  Integrity, transparency and trust in all
relationships;
9.1.5  Commitment to the independence and
impartiality of the SABC, within the parameters
of its accountability to the South African public;
and

9.1.6 

A spirit of co-operation between the SABC and
the faith community.

9.2 

Nature of Religious Content

The following principles underpin the SABC’s approach
to faith-based content:
9.2.1  In achieving its mandate, the SABC provides
both faith-specific and multi-faith content.
Faith-specific content should give the major
religious groups the scope to celebrate their life
of faith without censure. Multi-faith offerings
- (programmes with content elements that are
diverse) and inter faith offerings -(programmes
that offer diverse voices and views on a theme),
in addition to faith-specific content, should
promote dialogue, respect and understanding
among all the faith groupings in South Africa.
In delivering faith-based content, the SABC
should take advantage of its multiplatform
environment.
9.2.2  Whereas faith-based content is aimed at
complying with the SABC’s Programming
and Publishing Policy, the organisation takes
particular care to ensure that in such offerings
there is sensitivity to the beliefs of others, and
that no faith is attacked or undermined.
9.2.3  Faith-based programmes may not be used to
solicit funds, or to support any content offerings
of a political or ideological nature. Permission
for fundraising, whether for emergency relief
and/or social welfare causes, should be obtained
from the SABC before the airing and publishing
of the content.
9.2.4  The format of faith-based offerings and the
choice of presenters should meet the technical,
creative and professional criteria required by
the SABC.
9.2.5  The SABC provides faith-based content in a
variety of formats including documentaries,
magazines and actuality. The aim of these
is to encourage comment on matters of
national concern, and to introduce people
to faiths practised in South Africa and, where
appropriate, elsewhere.

 Religion

47

The SABC sources faith-based content through
its standard procurement procedures including
commissioning, licensing, pre-sales and /or
content that may be acquired at no cost to the
Corporation or the supplier
9.2.7  Faith-based content should strive to be
contextual and relevant, and reflect our African
reality. It should be aimed at further correcting
the neglect of African beliefs and cultures in the
public media. This means that special attention
should be given to African traditional faiths and
cultures
9.2.8  The content should take account of regional
factors, target audiences, language and cultural
preferences, and the devotional needs of
specific groups.

the right to accept or reject an offer to purchase
air time based on the material proposed;
9.4.4  In considering offers to purchase air time, the
SABC gives preference to good quality local
material;
9.4.5  Profits from the sale of air time to faith groups
should be directed to the funding of religious
content;
9.4.6  Scheduling of such air time is the prerogative of
the SABC;
9.4.7  Sponsorship, fundraising, advertising and
commercial branding in air time sold to faith
groups is governed by the rules of SABC Airtime
Sales; and
9.4.8  Operational Guidelines to guide transactions on
air time sales are available on request.

9.3 

9.5 

9.2.6 

Scheduling of Religious Content

Faith-based content should not be confined to Sundays,
or the fringes of schedules, but placed at times when
audiences are available. It must be scheduled and
published on days that are appropriate to individual
faiths.
9.4 

Paid Broadcasting and Religious Content

In addition to its normal provision of faith-based content,
the SABC may make air time available for purchasing
by interested groups for broadcasting of their material.
The sale of such air time should be negotiated on a
commercial basis and be guided by the following:
9.4.1 

9.4.2 

9.4.3 

The sale of air time to groups may in no way
detract from the SABC’s mandate to provide
faith-based content;
The sale of air time to particular faith groups
should be consistent with the time allocated
to those groups, as determined every three
years. Within this, the SABC shall also ensure
that there is equitable representation of various
denominations in faith groups;
Content scheduled in slots that have been sold
to faith groups is always to be consistent with
the SABC’s Policy of Religious Content and all
the other relevant policies. The SABC reserves

Community Faith Committee (CFC)

The SABC will establish the Community Faith Committee
(CFC) as per the approval of the Board. The mandate of
the CFC would be to advise the SABC of faith matters.
The CFC will constitute a total of 15 members, 3 SABC
Staff members and 12 representatives from major and
minor faith groups. CFC members will serve under the
Committee on a voluntary and ad hoc basis. The SABC
will set the terms of reference for the CFC.
9.6 

Monitoring and Implementation

The Board requires management to submit an annual
religious broadcasting action plan that identifies
future goals arising from this policy. A summary of
achievements from the previous year is to be attached
in order to facilitate a review of the achievements,
opportunities and challenges.

  

BETTER

EIUCATIONAL
  SHOWS  

 

Education

50

10. Policy

on
Educational
Content

10.1 Introduction
The SABC is required by legislation to inform, educate
and entertain viewers and listeners. The provision
of educational content is therefore essential to the
implementation of its public service mandate.
The SABC recognises that to right the wrongs inflicted
by decades of apartheid education on the knowledge,
literacy and skills profile of South Africa, requires the
collective contribution of all educational authorities,
institutions and individuals. The SABC recognises that
through its content, it can make a unique contribution
to this public imperative. Complementary to what
is offered by schools, colleges, higher education
institutions and work place training, SABC platforms can
make the most significant contribution to learning.
The SABC also acknowledges that an informed and
educated citizenry is fundamental to the sustained
development of South Africa. Through its educational
content, it is well placed to advance national goals of
equality, dignity and an inclusive society and works
towards these ends.
In fulfilling its educational mandate, the SABC is guided
by the constitutionally-enshrined right of all South
Africans to receive education, in the official languages
of their choice where reasonably practicable. The SABC
also aims to attain the goals set in the Act, the ECA,
and the relevant policies and regulations. In particular,
consideration is given to the requirement of the Act
that the SABC’s public content services should:
“include significant amounts of educational content,
both curriculum-based and informal educative topics
from a wide range of social, political and economic issues,
including, but not limited to, human rights, health, early
childhood development, agriculture, culture, justice and
commerce and contributing to a shared South African
consciousness and identity”.
This Policy on Educational Content sets the framework
within which the SABC implements this mandate and

Education

responds to the national literacy and skills development
challenge.
10.2 Objectives
The SABC commits itself to the following objectives for
educational content:
10.2.1  To provide innovative educational content of
excellent quality across SABC platforms, aimed
at meeting the diverse formal and informal
learning needs of all our audiences, including
children, youth and adults. These include:
(a) 
Content that supports the curriculum-based
activities of the education and training sectors and
cover a wide range of subjects and fields; and
(b)  Content that promotes public education on rural
development and urban renewal, human resources
development, citizens’ rights and responsibilities,
healthy living, innovative solutions to personal,
family and community challenges, national identity,
culture and heritage.
10.2.2  To ensure that platforms in the SABC’s public
content portfolio devote adequate time to
educational content, and schedule them at times
that are appropriate for the target audiences;
10.2.3  To ensure that platforms in the commercial
portfolio support a culture of lifelong learning
through
informal
knowledge-building
initiatives that are relevant to their format and
target audience;
10.2.4  To provide educational content in all official
languages and, in selected genres, Sign
Language, taking into account the language
needs of each target audience;
10.2.5  To provide a significant amount of locally
produced educational content, recognising
that such offerings are often best for meeting
the educational needs for South Africans.
However, the SABC also recognises that it is
important to expand audiences’ knowledge of
the African continent and the rest of the world,
and accordingly will ensure that internationally
acquired content satisfy these goals;
10.2.6  To enhance the effectiveness of educational
content by implementing a coherent education
methodology that incorporates multimedia
strategies such as the use of traditional and
digital platforms;
10.2.7 To supplement educational methodologies
through
outreach
programmes,
where
appropriate, in the form of training and support
for users of materials aimed at deepening the
educational impact of the content; and
10.2.8 To ensure that sufficient resources are
apportioned for implementing the educational

 Education 51

mandate. To this end the SABC secures financial
and other resources from a variety of sources,
including the government and licence fees,
private and international donors, advertising
and sponsorship, co-productions and related
content partnerships with a range of national,
continental and international institutions.
10.3 

Key Principles

In providing educational content, the SABC is guided by
the following principles:
10.3.1  The SABC ensures that educational content is
relevant and appealing to targeted audiences,
and with sensitivity reflects the diverse
experiences and needs of all South Africans;
10.3.2  The SABC ensures that its educational content
addresses imbalances in the historical provision
of education, especially, but not exclusively,
those based on race, gender and disability;
10.3.3  The SABC links its educational content to
national priorities and needs, supporting the
achievement of national educational goals,
lifelong learning, and the association of
educational and life experiences; and
10.3.4  The SABC builds strategic partnerships that
enable it to provide effective and impactful
educational content initiatives.
10.4 

Scope of the Policy

Designated platforms in the SABC diversified portfolio
are required to comply with any legislation, regulations
and licence conditions that are relevant to educational
content. The Policy on Educational Content is also to be
read together with the other relevant editorial policies
including the Policy on Programming and Publishing,
the Language Policy on Content, and the Universal
Service and Access Policy.
This Policy on Educational Content is considered when
the SABC:
10.4.1  Develops strategic plans and budgets for the
Corporation to meet its educational mandate;
10.4.2  Produces or commissions educational content;
10.4.3 Develops schedules for its multiplatform
environment;
10.4.4  Procures international educational material.
Every independent producer and consultant contracted
to produce educational material for the SABC should be
made aware of this policy.

10.5 

Guidelines for Implementation

10.5.1 The SABC ensures that its services, in
combination, provide a significant amount of
educational content that complies with the
objectives outlined in this policy.
10.5.2  At least one of SABC’s television channels
should provide content specifically in support of
the primary and secondary school curricula. This
is supplemented by offerings on public service
radio stations.
10.5.3  The SABC ensures that educational content
is scheduled at times that are suitable for the
target audiences.
10.5.4  All educational content has clear goals. Such
goals and expected outcomes are established
before the production, commissioning or
acquisition of any educational content.
10.5.5  The SABC’s educational content business unit,
together with the Commissioning Editors and
Executive Producers responsible, is tasked with
ensuring that these outcomes are achieved
through creative and innovative content.
10.6 

Guidelines for Scheduling Educational Content

In scheduling educational content, the SABC should
ensure that the material:
10.6.1 conforms to the highest production and
publishing standards. A wide variety of content
formats should be utilised to ensure that the
aim of the offering is achieved creatively and
is appropriate to the subject matter and target
audience;
10.6.2  utilises innovative technologies and techniques
(including dubbing, multilingual programming
and subtitling) in order to increase the
effectiveness and comprehensibility of content
in different language communities;
10.6.3  is challenging and informative, aims to promote
a culture of learning and teaching and supports
skills-based learning. The basic tenet of all the
educational content to impart knowledge and
problem-solving skills, promote critical thinking
and, when necessary, assist in changing attitudes
and behaviour;
10.6.4  relates to the personal circumstances of the
audiences, and seeks to impart the knowledge
and skills that would help them to change their
circumstances for the better;
10.6.5  assists in fostering a harmonious relationship
between South Africans and the environment,
and promote sustainable development;
10.6.6  complies with all the SABC editorial policies,
including those on portrayal and stereotyping
of people, violence, and the classification and

 52

scheduling of programmes. It should seek not
only to avoid stereotypes based, for example, on
race, ethnicity and disability, but to challenge
proactively any stereotype or bias, and so assist
in changing attitudes; and
10.6.7  utilises wide a range of subject experts and
interviewees, who, for example, are of different
races, genders and physical abilities, and hold
differing views, in order to reflect our diverse
society.
10.7 

Advertising and Educational Content

The SABC will use every possible source of funding to
meet its obligations in terms of this policy, including
commercial sponsorship, subject to the following:
10.7.1  When a programme is required to be presented,
wholly or in part, in a setting that simulates a
place of business (for example, a supermarket),
care should be taken in designing the setting,
and the props used, to reduce identification with
particular companies, brands or proprietors;
10.7.2  Content and material produced externally, or
in created settings, may not be used to carry
indirect commercial advertising; and
10.7.3  Care should be taken to avoid the exposure
of advertising signs or other commercial
identification in programme content. Where
this is impossible, it is the responsibility of the
producer, or the director, or both, to play down
as much as possible such extraneous commercial
exposure.
10.8 

Public Mandate Aspects in Educational Content

Arising from the Act, the SABC has identified the
following educational content requirements:
10.8.1 
10.8.2 
10.8.3 
10.8.4 
10.8.5 
10.8.6 

Early Childhood Development;
Children at Home;
Formal Education;
Youth Development;
Adult and Human Resources Development; and
Public Education.

10.8.1  Early Childhood Development
Educational content for early childhood development
is aimed at supporting the holistic development of
young children (from 0 - 7). The SABC recognises that
as relatively few South African children have access to
any structured early childhood education, such content
assists in preparing young children “to be ready to learn”.
Educational content also supports the implementation
of the national Grade R (Reception Year) curriculum.
Moreover, this content equips caregivers with the

Education

knowledge and skills to facilitate and support the
growth and development of young children.
Early childhood development content should meet the
following standards:
a.  Be stimulating, entertaining and engaging to the
target audience;
b.  Develop children’s self-esteem;
c.  Enhance the target audience’s imagination;
d.  Reflect the personal experiences and cultures of the
audience;
e.  Affirm children’s sense of self and place;
f.  Consider language needs and the needs of learners
with disabilities; and
g.  Have a primary focus on health, nutrition and safety.
10.8.2  Children at Home
Educational content for children at home is aimed at
children of school going age who are not at school, and
seeks to create the space for children to engage and
express their thoughts and opinions on issues that affect
them.
Educational programming for children at home is
required to meet the following standards:
a.  Be stimulating, entertaining, enabling children to
learn, have fun and interact with others
b.  Consider language needs and the needs of learners
with disabilities
c.  Promote healthy living, social awareness, selfesteem and an understanding of human rights
d. Be focused primarily on science, technology,
mathematics, economics and communication.
10.8.3  Formal Education
Formal educational content affirms and support the
development of Foundation Phase learners (ages 5-9)
and Intermediate Phase learners (ages 9-13).
Formal education content is required to support the
implementation of the national school curriculum by
providing resources of excellent quality developed
specifically to assist both teachers and learners to
achieve nationally set outcomes
10.8.4  Youth Development
Educational content intended for youth development
is aimed at promoting a culture of life-long learning
among young people, both at and after school.
a.  Youth educational content should:
b.  aim to develop self-esteem among listeners and

 Education

viewers and provide a platform for expression;
c. contextualise young people’s realities, fears,
concerns and needs;
d.  showcase youth solving problems, thinking critically,
acting independently, developing creatively,
intellectually, socially, cognitively and emotionally,
and addressing, overcoming and transforming their
future; and
e.  create an awareness of the rights and responsibilities
of all citizens, including the youth, as contained in
the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.
10.8.5  Adult and Human Resources Development
Adult and human resources development content
affirms the concept of life-long learning, and support
development of the skills and knowledge needed
for survival in a competitive and ever-evolving world.
Content is aimed at meeting the formal and informal
skills development needs of both the employed and
the unemployed, and support South Africans in their
occupational endeavours. They include adult literacy,
skills development, educator development and
entrepreneurial skills development.
10.8.6  Public Education
Public educational content is aimed at offering the
information, knowledge and skills South Africans need
for effective participation and interaction in society.
They promote the drive for life-long learning, and
foster tolerance and understanding of one another and
all our cultures. Such content enables people to take
informed decisions, encourage critical thinking, and
impart problem solving skills.
10.9 

Research to Support Educational Content

The SABC evaluates the impact of its educational content
continually. Research is done to assess audience needs
and to evaluate the effectiveness of the programmes.
This includes audience research (e.g. to establish people’s
needs) and formative and summative research which
enables understanding of the contribution of content
to audiences’ development.
10.10 

Monitoring and Implementation

An annual action plan that identifies educational
priorities for each of the educational mandate areas
indicated above, should be submitted to the Board. When
necessary, these strategies are drafted in consultation
with educational stakeholders. Implementation of these
strategic plans is evaluated annually.

53

 54

Complants Management Processes

11. Complaints

Management Processes
a.  Public complaints that are sent directly to the SABC
and relate to matters of policy, or compliance with
the BCCSA Code, are dealt with by the office of
the Broadcast Compliance Manager. When such
complaints are received by the respective platforms,
or in any other department, they should be referred
to that office without delay.
b.  The SABC’s policy is to deal with every such
complaint. The response is either prepared in
consultation with, or communicated immediately
to the management of the platform concerned,
or the relevant SABC News editor. Platforms are
encouraged and are required to take ownership of
complaints relating to their services.
c.  Trends in complaints, and all the formal complaint
processes are reported to Executive Management
and the Board, regularly. ICASA regulations require
accurate record-keeping of all complaints received,
with bi-annual reports prepared for submission to
ICASA by the Broadcast Compliance Department.
11.1 

Complaints Lodged with the BCCSA

11.1.1  When a member of the public lodges a formal
complaint with the BCCSA about a programme
broadcast on any of the SABC services, the
BCCSA notifies the SABC in writing, provides a
copy of the complaint, and indicates whether a
copy of the programme should accompany the
written response from the SABC.
11.1.2  When the BCCSA requests material for review
in any complaint process, the SABC is obliged
to provide a complete copy of the programme
as broadcast. This includes any on-screen and/
or verbal consumer advice. Where necessary, a
transcription of the text is required, and/or the
Final Control Sheet for the programme. The
Broadcast Compliance Manager requests this
material from the relevant service, and it should
be supplied within three (3) days.

11.1.3  In consultation with the staff responsible for the
broadcast in question and who may be asked
to provide comments in writing, the Broadcast
Compliance Manager prepares the SABC’s
response to the complaint. This submission,
together with the material requested, has to
be delivered to the BCCSA’s premises within
ten (10) working days of notification of the
complaint. The formal process is then conducted
in accordance with the current Procedure of the
Commission (available on the Internet at http://
www.bccsa.co.za), which may be amended from
time to time. When the BCCSA gives notice
that a complaint is to be heard by the Tribunal,
the Broadcast Compliance Manager takes the
following steps:
a.  Requests the head of the service against which
the complaint has been lodged to delegate an
appropriate representative to attend the hearing
(normally the person responsible for the programme
in question);
b.  Applies to the SABC’s Head of Legal for assistance, if
the BCCSA advises that the complainant will have
legal representation;
c.  Prepares the SABC’s case;
d.  Consults, or refers a case to the Legal Department
when the need arises; and
e.  Defends the SABC at the hearing, assisted by a legal
consultant, if necessary.
11.1.4  When the BCCSA’s decision about a complaint,
adjudication (by an individual commissioner),
or judgement handed down by the Tribunal is
received, the Broadcast Compliance Manager
circulates it immediately to all the relevant staff.
11.1.5  On being found guilty of a breach of the BCCSA
Code, a broadcaster may be reprimanded by the
Commission, or required to take certain steps to
rectify the situation, or instructed to broadcast
a correction, retraction, or apology.

 Complants Management Processes

11.1.6  The BCCSA is also empowered to impose fines
of up to R80 000 for serious infringements.
11.1.7  Records of formal complaints are kept, and
their outcome is reflected in a report to Group
Executive Committee on a monthly basis.
11.2 

Complaints Lodged with Advertising
Regulatory Board (ARB)

11.2.1  When a member of the public lodges a formal
complaint with the ARB about self-promotional
material broadcast on any of the SABC services,
the ARB notifies the SABC in writing, provides
a copy of the complaint, and requests a copy
of the material for review by the Authority. If
the Authority finds that the complaint is not
“frivolous or vexatious”, the SABC may be called
to a hearing and be subject to sanctions as set
out in the Code of Advertising Practice.
11.2.2  The ARB has jurisdiction over television channels
and radio station promotional materials that
are broadcast on any SABC service (for example,
an RSG promo flighted on SABC2, or an SABC3
promo on SAFM), or on any other broadcaster’s
channel/station.
The ARB does not have
jurisdiction over a channel/station promo
broadcast on the same channel/station (for
example, an SABC3 promo flighted on SABC3).
A promo for any SABC programme content that
is flighted on the same SABC channel/station
falls within the jurisdiction of the BCCSA.
11.2.3 Therefore, the Authority can entertain
complaints about programme promos only
if they are flighted on another broadcaster’s
service, or if they are published in the print
media, or placed on outdoor advertising (for
example, billboards).
11.2.4  When the ARB requests material for review in
any complaint process, the SABC is obligated
to provide a copy of the promo. The Broadcast

55

Compliance Manager requests this material
from the relevant department, and delivers it to
the Authority within five (5) days.
11.2.5  If any of the Codes referred to in these policies
including the Press Code, the BCCSA etc., are
amended after the publication of the Editorial
Policies, the SABC and its employees shall be
required to comply with such amended codes
notwithstanding the provision of these Editorial
Policies.
11.3 

Complaints Related to Contravention of SABC
Editorial Policies

11.3.1. Complaints about any breach of the SABC’s
Editorial Policies that are not received directly
by the Policy and Regulatory Affairs department
should be referred to the Broadcast Compliance
Manager without delay.
11.3.2. In the event of a serious contravention of
any aspect of the editorial policy, or repeated
infringement, the matter is referred upwards as
follows:
a.  Policy & Regulatory Affairs Office;
b.  Executive Producer or News/Commissioning Editor;
c.  Editor-in Chief.
11.4 

Complaints Related to Contraventions of the
Press Code

The SABC subscribes to the Press Code of Ethics and
Conduct for South African Print and Online Media (Press
Code) which is administered by the SA Press Council and
the Press Ombudsman. Complaints about any breach of
the Press Code will be dealt with in accordance with the
Press Council complaints mechanisms.
11. 

Review of the Editorial Policies

The Policies shall be reviewed every Five Years.

 56

12. Acknowledgements
The SABC would like to express its gratitude to the following contributors:
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 
28. 
29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 
35. 
36. 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 
41. 
42. 
43. 
44. 
45. 
46. 
47. 
48. 
49. 
50. 
51. 
52. 
53. 
54. 

Ada Theron
Andre Bee
Andre Bekker
Andrew Mashimo
Andries J Kok
Ayanda Nabe
Ayanda Stuurman
B Singh
Bahais Of Mangaung
Bayaphi Lawrence 
Benita Draai
Bhekumuzi Mkhwanazi
C. Naidoo
Cynthia Pein
Daddy Mabe
Daniel Sibeko
Deenadayalan Naidoo
Deon Marais
Derick Mbungele
Dolfred Sihlangu
Dollandsson 
Dr Faisal Suliman
Dr Glenda Daniels
Dumisani Enock Mkhonta
Elsie Beauty 
Estelle Puren
Etherl Sentle
Faizul Khamker
Farouk Khustari
Fathima Moosa
Fishunathi Mahlalela
Franki Fouche
Franz Kruger (Wits)
G.G. Paulus 
G.C. Baker
Godfrey Mathwenyego
Jaabosigo
Goolam Kolia 
Gordon Lesamane
Gerrit Van Den Dool
Hendrick Mokgehle 
Hitler Hlophe
Izak Minnaar 
Jack Smit
Jane Thompson
Jayne Boccaleone
Jenny Hallowes
Jeremiah Daka
Joe Steyn
Joe Thamaga
Joseph Mahlangu
Kedibone Sentle
Kenrich Botha
Krish Pillay
Leepile Mokhobo

55. 
56. 
57. 
58. 
59. 
60. 
61. 
62. 
63. 
64. 
65. 
66. 
67. 
68. 
69. 
70. 
71. 
72. 
73. 
74. 
75. 
76. 
77. 
78. 
79. 
80. 
81. 
82. 
83. 
84. 
85. 
86. 
87. 
88. 
89. 
90. 
91. 
92. 

Lindani Mjezu
Lionel Sieberhagen
Lorraine Sparg
Ludimo Magwaca
Lukani Martin Theng
Madoda Mditshwa (Inkolo
Yesintu)
Makhosana Msibi
Makondelelea Ndou
Mandla Dladla
Mando Teledimo
Mark Naicker
Maruping Masilo
Masilela Masilela
Mduduzi Motaung
Michael Khumalo
Michael Masinya
Miliza van der Merwe
Miriam Hoosen
Mmachigo Millicent Manase
Mothibeli A Nyapholi
Mothusi Dikwelana
Mpho Mangole
Mpho Talane
Mr and Mrs Fourie
Musawenkosi Ndlovu 
Muzi Mngomezulu
Mxolisi Zuma
N. Jombile
Nazeer Alli
Nchanyana Joseph Mafere
Nomhle Motlou 
Pumudzo Tshirangwana
Nthabi Dlamini
Oswell Shane Dean
P Kotze
Petros Ngwenya
Phemelo Ntshwe
Phumudzo Tshirangwana

93.  Princess Msibi
94.  Quinton Lenyai 
95.  Rick Simpson
96.  Romeo Qetsimani (SAMIC)
97.  Rose Langmann
98.  Rosemary Foster-Towne
99.  Rudi Bisschoff
100. SAMNET
101. Sangeeta Naipal
102. Sello Samasilo Malakalaka
103. Shanitha Rathilal Bhageloo
104. Shuaib Appleby
105. Sigcau Hlahatsi
106. Sisa Tabata
107. Sizwe Mkhize
108. Stanely April
109. T. Giqwa
110. T.S. Makhwanya
111. Thabiso J Taba
112. Thabo Mokuoane
113. Thandisizwe Mgudlwa
114. Thato Sedupe
115. Thulani Mbatha
116. Tineke Pretorius
117. Tinyiko Sihlangu
118. Tirelo
119. Tlou Setumu
120. Ts Makhwanya
121. Tshepo Raymond Sithole
122. Tsholofelo Matshwisa
123. Vuyo Zela
124. V.P Smith
125. Xabiso Mbobo
126. Zahida Fakey
127. Right To Know
128. The Local Spiritual Assembly
129. Tape Aid for the Blind
130. Democratic Alliance (DA)
131. CWUSA

132. Musician Association of South Africa (MASA) 
133. Government Information and Communications System (GCIS)
134. Muslim Judicial Council
135. Audiodescribe International  
136. Gandhi Development Trust
137. Communicators Forum – Free State
138. Inkolo Kantu Traditional Organisation
139. Media Monitoring Africa (MMA)
140. Commission For Gender Equality
141. Elza-Lynne Kruger - The ICT Chamber For Disability 
142. The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights
of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL)

 57

13. List
A  
- 
AD  
- 
ALASA 
- 
ARB 
- 
BCCSA 
- 
CRC 
- 
DAB  
- 
DAC  
- 
DTH  
- 
DTT 
- 
ECA 
- 
FPB 
- 
HIV/AIDS  GBV 
- 
GCEO 
- 
GE  
- 
ICASA 
- 
IKB 
- 
L  
- 
LGBTIAQ  - 
N   
- 
NAB 
- 
OTT 
- 
P  
- 
PA  
- 
PCCSA 
- 
PANSLB   - 
PEB  
- 
PG  
- 
S   
- 
SABC 
- 
SADAG  
- 
SASL  
- 
SATI  
- 
SLI  
- 
UGC 
- 
V  
- 

of Acronyms
Suitable for all ages
Audio Description
African Languages Association of Southern Africa
Advertising Regulatory Board
Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa
Community Religious Committees
Digital Audio Broadcasting
Department of Arts and Culture
Direct to Home
Digital Terrestrial Television
Electronic Communications Act
Film and Publications Board
  Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Gender Based Violence
Group Chief Executive Officer
Group Executive
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
Informal Knowledge Building
Bad language, including profanity
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Queer
Nudity
National Association of Broadcasters
Over the Top
Prejudice
Political Advertising
Press Council of South Africa
Pan South African Language Board
Party Election Broadcast
Parental Guidance
Sex
South African Broadcasting Corporation
South African Depression and Anxiety Group
South African Sign Language
South African Translators’ Institute
Sign Language Interpreting
User Generated Content
Violence

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