The SABC has refused to air the DA's controversial election campaign advert, which depicts a burning South African flag, because of public backlash.
On Thursday, SABC complaints specialist Nyiko Shibambo wrote a letter to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa informing it of its decision to reject the DA advert.
“The SABC believes the advertisement encourages damage of treasured national symbols. The flag is a national symbol which represents diverse elements of the country and national unity. Additionally, it is expected that the national flag should be accorded dignity and respect. It is not a representation of a political party but the nation at large,” Shibambo said.
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The SABC has refused to air the DA's controversial election campaign advert, which depicts a burning South African flag, because of public backlash.
On Thursday, SABC complaints specialist Nyiko Shibambo wrote a letter to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa informing it of its decision to reject the DA advert.
“The SABC believes the advertisement encourages damage of treasured national symbols. The flag is a national symbol which represents diverse elements of the country and national unity. Additionally, it is expected that the national flag should be accorded dignity and respect. It is not a representation of a political party but the nation at large,” Shibambo said.
DA leader John Steenhuisen has threatened legal action.
“This censorship is not only a clampdown on dissent but also provides a foretaste of the assault on our flag that will come under an ANC/EFF doomsday coalition,” he said.
“The banning of our advert only reinforces its message: our constitutional democracy will burn unless millions vote DA. The DA will fight to the highest court in the land to defend our constitution.”
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