Rather than acting as an impartial observer SABC appears to have filled the role of a consenting third player in the row between businessman Robert Gumede and the Mail and Guardian newspaper.

That’s according to Media Monitoring Africa (MMA)’s analysis into the spat between Gumede and the Mail and Guardian – or more specifically the role played by the public service broadcaster in the row and whether SABC has taken sides. According to the analysis carried out by MMA’s Prinola Govenden “the SABC has managed to aggravate the situation by refusing to be publicly accountable and instead adopting a ‘secret’ and ‘defensive’ stance.” MMA maintains that an SABC report on the issue “positively biased Mr Gumede thereby contravening the SABC’s mandate, core editorial policies as well as general standard of reporting.” Read the analysis For more information contact Prinola Govenden Head Media Policy Media Monitoring Africa Formerly: Media Monitoring Project Mb: +2772 708 1320 Tel: +2711 788 1278 Fax: +2711 788 1289 www.mediamonitoringafrica.org PO Box 1560 Parklands 2121, Johannesburg South Africa