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Why Mbeki doccie was canned
19/07/2007 11:07 - (SA)
Johannesburg - The unauthorised documentary on President Thabo Mbeki was canned due to concerns that it may be defamatory, the SABC content enterprise executive said in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The suggestion made in the 24-minute film that President Thabo Mbeki may have had a hand in the assassination of SACP leader Chris Hani had led the broadcaster's lawyers to believe that there were "serious issues" of defamation, said Mvuso Mbebe.
He was speaking at a panel discussion following the screening of the documentary to about 200 invited guests.
Mbebe added that the editorial team and not SABC bosses had expressed reservations about the film and had called for it not to be screened.
Author of a recent biography on Mbeki, Ronald Suresh Roberts, made himself unpopular with some of the audience by questioning why an SABC editorial decision not to air the film was being debated.
Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) director Jane Duncan said the documentary's critical tone was balanced by feel-good aspects and uplifting music.
"He's mother referred to Mbeki as a gentle soul... there is even a cheesy thread in the documentary," she said to laughter.
On the Chris Hani matter Duncan said: "Whether we like it or not the insinuation is out there. Preventing it from being uttered will not make it go away."
- SAPA
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