Vulgar word in song about Zuma returns to sting eTV

eTV has been fined R10,000 for broadcasting a vulgar word about genitalia in a current affairs show attended by political dignitaries and former City of Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau.

The offensive word was “blurted out” by comedian Tats Nkonzo‚ while singing a satirical song about President Jacob Zuma‚ in a pre-recorded episode of The Big Debate screened at 10am on Sunday‚ July 31.

Itumeleng Montsho complained about “this foul vulgarity” to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA)‚ saying it was broadcast while children were watching.

“The programme was flighted on a Sunday with children and the mayor of Johannesburg in the audience amongst other political dignitaries‚” said Montsho.

“The comedian used the (Zulu) word while singing a satirical song about the president.”

eTV argued‚ in its defence‚ that although the word referred to genetalia it was “clearly said ‘tongue in cheek’ in the course of a comedic routine”‚ and had been used fleetingly in the context of political satire about Nkandla.

“The joke was accompanied by laughs from the audience clearly indicating that it was just a joke and not to be taken seriously.”

The episode had an age restriction and was rated PG13VL.

Montsho‚ however‚ disagreed and said: “This is unacceptable‚” and asked if English words with similar meanings - giving two examples - “were used in a comedic routine‚ would this be acceptable at that time of day? I interpreted the audiences response as shock‚ you can clearly see that Mayor Parks Tau is taken aback.”

The BCCSA evaluated both arguments and pointed out that broadcasters were not permitted to air material that is “harmful or disturbing to children at times when a large number of children is likely to be part of the audience”. And eTV had conceded that it was initially not aware that the comedian had uttered the word.

“It was not disputed that the word is grossly offensive and cannot have any other meaning than that of referring to female genitalia in a vulgar and offensive manner‚” said the ruling by the BCCSA.

– TMG Digital