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SABC 'blacklist' inquiry open
25/07/2006 12:44 - (SA)
Johannesburg - The first three days of hearings in an inquiry into the SABC's alleged blacklisting of certain political analysts have been completed, said the commissioners on Monday.
Zwelakhe Sisulu and Gilbert Marcus SC said in a statement that several parties were still to make submissions to the commission.
Submissions from 19 people had been heard so far.
"We are very encouraged by the response to our call for submissions, and believe we have made progress in determining how decisions are taken on the use of analysts by the SABC," read the statement.
The commissioners said the range of views and the quality of submissions had helped to clarify which factors influenced decisions around the use of analysts.
"We are also building an understanding of how the issue is dealt with by other public broadcasters, to enable us to provide an assessment of the SABC's policies," they said.
The commission will reconvene early next month to hear more testimony, according to the statement.
Last month, opposition parties had called for an independent investigation into claims that the SABC had blacklisted analysts critical of President Thabo Mbeki.
Media reports said the prohibition was ordered by SABC head of news Snuki Zikalala.
The commission has enlisted Rhodes journalism professor Guy Berger as an "expert resource" to aid its work, and appointed attorney Eric Mabuza to receive and process submissions.
- SAPA
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