Biased Reporting and Misrepresentation of Genocide in Gaza

OPEN LETTER TO SABC NEWS

Dear SABC Editorial Team,

As South Africans who care deeply about justice, ethics, and the integrity of public broadcasting, we are compelled to raise our alarm regarding SABC’s coverage of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

It is unacceptable that a public broadcaster would consistently adopt language that mirrors Israeli talking points, using phrases like “allegations of genocide” or “according to Gaza health ministry”. This framing sanitizes mass atrocities, misleads the South African public, and diminishes the reality of crimes committed against Palestinians.

This is not a “war“ it is a genocide, marked by:

• Forced displacement of civilians
• Indiscriminate bombing of homes, journalists, and medical staff • Intentional starvation and blockade of aid

Despite these facts, SABC has largely ignored the South African government’s historic case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, failing to provide coverage on key platforms including the Morning Show.

Even more concerning is SABC’s editorial reluctance to use terms like “Holocaust” when referencing mass atrocities. Such linguistic gatekeeping is both morally and journalistically indefensible. Genocide is genocide, its horror should not be limited to one historical context.

A prime example of SABC’s bias is the recent interview with Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, which failed to provide balanced questioning or challenge deeply problematic narratives.

Instead, it amplified positions that dismiss Palestinian suffering and framed the issue through a narrow lens that protects Israel from accountability. This lack of critical engagement contradicts the principles of fair and ethical journalism.

These editorial choices suggest institutional interference or censorship, shielding Israel from accountability and denying South Africans the right to accurate, unbiased reporting.

As a publicly funded institution, SABC has a duty to report with integrity, accuracy, and balance. We call on SABC to:

1. Accurately describe the situation in Gaza as genocide, without hedging or minimizing language.
2. Provide full coverage of South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel.
3. Stop adopting the framing or talking points of foreign governments at the expense of truth.
4. Uphold journalistic standards and ensure editorial independence.

South Africans deserve journalism that reflects facts, not political spin. We urge SABC to take immediate steps to rectify its coverage and ensure that future reporting honors both ethical standards and human decency.

Media Contacts:

Martin Jansen (PSC Executive member) 0828702025

Jaamia Galant (PSC Chairperson) 0792314273

Usuf Chikte (PSC Co-ordinator) 0828779522