Judgment held on 'hate song'

2008-04-10 20:34

Johannesburg - The Broadcasting Complaints Commission reserved judgment on Thursday in the hearing of a complaint against the SABC's broadcast of a "hate song" by hip-hop artist Zubz, the Freedom Front Plus said.

The complaint about the song titled Get Out, was laid by the FF Plus in February after its repeated broadcasting in the channel's late-night music show.

Party spokesperson Willie Spies said the song was nothing other than hate speech which was prohibited by the Constitution.

"One controversial quote from the song tells how the singer encourages his followers to place a panga against the neck of the oppressor and to chase him out of the country."

In another controversial phrase, the artist promises to "take what is mine today and I'll rob you (oppressor) tomorrow", said Spies.

He said the artist was in the video portrayed as a military commander addressing a group of black soldiers.

In its arguments before the commission, the FF Plus said it heavily relied on a previous decision by the BCCSA, in which the song of the well-known songwriter, Mbongeni Ngema, was banned.

The song which referred to Indians was found to be undesirable.

Spies said their case was "remarkably" similar to Ngema's song, adding that the party would not be surprised if the same principles were to be applied in the same manner when the song Get Out was considered.

He said the FF Plus would, as a minority party dealing with Afrikaner interests, continue to fight in every possible forum against abuses such as the broadcasting of hate speech.

- SAPA