its former advertising relationship with the paper – one which has existed since the paper’s founding in 1871. • ALERT Date: November 4, 2008 Institutions: SABC Violation/issue: Other The online edition of the Mail & Guardian reported that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has been criticised by various sectors in South Africa for bias in its news coverage of political developments in the country. On October 4, United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa complained to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) about the SABC being “a serial offender when it comes to bias in favour of the ANC”. Meanwhile, the Cape Argus reported on November 3 that the SABC board would be in the hot seat over its “biased” coverage of the emerging party when it faced the ANC in parliament in two weeks’ time. Khotso Khumalo, spokesperson for the ANC’s parliamentary committee for communications, said the ANC had laid a complaint against the SABC with ICASA on November 2. The SABC responded to the charges of bias on November 6 by setting up the office of a complaints officer who will deal with all complaints submitted in writing by political parties within 72 hours of submission. This follows a special meeting of the SABC board news committee held in Johannesburg, in which the board reaffirmed its commitment to its news division’s unfettered editorial independence. • ALERT Date: November 15, 2008 Institutions: SABC Violation/issue: Threatened MISA South Africa expressed concern over allegations that South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) journalists, and especially the editorial team, are being intimidated by political parties as South Africa prepares for the 2009 general elections. The comment from MISA South Africa came at a time when the SABC board was to appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications on November 18 to respond to allegations of incompetence. Last year, the Portfolio Committee passed a vote of no confidence in the board, saying it is failing to meet its mandate of effectively governing the public broadcaster. MISA South Africa cautioned all South African political parties to allow media freedom and fair reporting during the upcoming elections. Some of the SABC workers reported having received SMSes and been called by political party representatives, threatening them and forcing them to report favourably towards certain political parties. MISA South Africa urged the Portfolio Committee to make its decision based on fairness and due course as stated in the Broadcasting Bill. MISA South Africa is part of the Civil Society Coalition that facilitates the ‘Save Our SABC’ Campaign. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -88- Media Institute of Southern Africa