SABC counters Fani-Kayode’s claim of exclusion from diplomatic event livestream after he rejects interview
The South African Broadcasting Corporation said it aired the Letters of Credence Ceremony involving Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to the country, Femi Fani-Kayode, and representatives of 14 other countries on Friday at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
The media outlet disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, after Mr Fani-Kayode rejected their request for an interview, claiming that the South African presidency “refused to air the introduction of my goodself and the Nigerian delegation or to air my speech.”
Mr Fani-Kayode also said, “They went a step further by cutting us out of the livestream completely and went back on livestream only after my speech was concluded. Of all the 15 introductions and speeches that were made and delivered this morning, only Nigeria’s was cut out.”
However, the SABC clarified that its livestream and the presidency’s are different.
It explained that it aired the ceremony on the SABC News LIVE Channel on SABC+, while Mr Fani-Kayode’s arrival was shown during a live crossing on the SABC News DSTV Channel 404.
The statement read, “We regret that the High Commissioner declined an interview with SABC News, reportedly because of his dissatisfaction with the livestream of the ceremony. We respect his decision and remain open to engaging with him and the Nigerian High Commission.
“Two points need clarifying. First, the SABC is a public service media, not a state broadcaster. Our mandate is to serve the public interest through independent, impartial and credible journalism. The presidency’s livestream arrangements and SABC News’ editorial coverage are separate matters.
“Secondly, SABC News did cover the ceremony. It was carried on the SABC News LIVE Channel on SABC+, and the High Commissioner’s arrival was shown during a live crossing on the SABC News Channel (DSTV Channel 404). We also published a clip on our official X account of the High Commissioner speaking to President Cyril Ramaphosa.”
The SABC said it remains committed to fairness, impartiality, and editorial independence in its coverage.
It added that it values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria.
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