- SABC suspends news anchor after contentious Gaza discussion.
- Interview with Dr. Mamphela Ramphele sparked outrage from Palestine solidarity activists.
- Anchor questioned by critics for perceived bias favoring Israel.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has suspended a news anchor following a heated interview with anti-apartheid activist and former politician Dr. Mamphela Ramphele.
The interview, conducted by SABC journalist Juliet Newell, addressed the ongoing crisis in Gaza. During the discussion, Newell asked Dr. Ramphele to compare the killings of Palestinians to genocide, questioning:
“Don’t you see this as inciting passion?”
Dr. Ramphele responded:
“Genocide is happening, and it will continue in different ways…Should we wait for millions to die before calling it what it is? Waiting for six million deaths, humanity has no right to call itself human. Being human is to feel the pain of everyone as if it were your own.”
Backlash from Activists and Media Watchdogs
The interview drew immediate criticism from Palestine solidarity campaigners and media activists, who accused the anchor of siding with Israeli narratives while undermining the suffering in Gaza.
In response, the SABC released a statement confirming the suspension:
“The actions of one of its news anchors during an interview with Dr. Mamphela Ramphele are known to the SABC. Accordingly, SABC news management acted swiftly in line with internal procedures. The anchor in question is currently not scheduled to work. The SABC is guided by various legal frameworks, including the Broadcasting Act 4 of 1999, and its editorial policy ensuring the provision of diverse perspectives and news coverage.”
Upholding Media Ethics
Highlighting that the suspension complies with legal and policy requirements, the SABC underlined its dedication to impartial reporting and respect to editorial standards.