CONSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY AND EVENTS

At the end of May 2018, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry into editorial interference at the public broadcaster. The inquiry was established in response to various reports of editorial interference over the years and will deal with complaints concerning conduct between 2012 and 2018. The inquiry is part of the ongoing work to transform the SABC into an accountable and responsive public institution, following tumultuous years plagued with unconstitutional editorial policies, and looting at an astronomical level. The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the inquiry acknowledge that the interference could be commercial, political or otherwise driven. The TOR further state that the commission will make recommendations that will lend guidance to the SABC regarding how to address any future interference. Corrective measures – such as disciplinary action where misconduct has been established – are also on the table.