Media News - Wednesday, May 07, 2008

South African broadcaster suspends head of news

South Africa's state broadcaster said it had suspended the head of its news and current affairs division, a move that followed accusations of slanted political coverage. In a statement, the South African Broadcasting Corporation said Snuki Zikalala was suspended pending an investigation into allegations of ‘serious misconduct,’ declining to provide details or discuss the matter further. ‘The outcome of the investigation is likely to result in a formal disciplinary enquiry,’ it said. Supporters of increasingly powerful ruling party leader Jacob Zuma had accused the broadcaster of favouring President Thabo Mbeki in a contest to lead the African National Congress last year. Mr Zuma won overwhelmingly. Mr Zuma's supporters also said the SABC undermined Zuma with its coverage of his corruption case. The ANC leader goes on trial in August for money-laundering, racketeering, fraud and corruption. Many pro-Mbeki officials have been purged from party and parliamentary positions as well as state-run institutions since Mr Zuma's victory, and Mr Mbeki is increasingly seen as a lame duck with less than a year to serve in his final term. (Reuters via Business Spectator)

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