Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) has monitored every democratic election in South Africa. This year we are doing the same, providing daily and weekly reports on media coverage of election news, as well as MMA’s Election Media Ratings.

Top election story for Monday 16 March is:

The most prominent story was Jacob Zuma’s speaking engagement at Rhema Bible Church, and congregants’ negative reaction.
• Beeld, p.1;
• Business Day, p. 1, 8;
• SABC 3;
• Sowetan, p. 4;
• The Citizen, p. 1, 3;
• The Star, p. 1; and,
• The Times, p. 4.
SABC covered the story more broadly, discussing politicians and churches, including Allan Boesak and his preaching at churches.

There were a few stories about ANC and Cope conflicts regarding election posters, and a few about ANC member violence against other ANC members.  One story discussed ANC and IFP conflict.  Some of these stories were discussed in the context of the Code of Conduct, which parties had previously signed.

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For more information please contact Sandra Roberts on 084 9000 344 or 011 788 1278 or William Bird on 082 887 1370.
The Daily Reports are made possible by the Open Society Foundation.

Media Monitoring Africa is acting as impartial observer of the SABC’s elections coverage.

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The following media are reviewed in the compilation of this report: Beeld, Daily Sun, e-tv primetime news, SABC 3 primetime news, Sowetan, The Citizen, The Star, and The Times.