The SABC has proved the DA’s point that there’s no such thing as bad publicity with its ban on the official opposition’s controversial election advertisement.
The SABC earlier this week refused to flight the DA’s controversial campaign advert — which depicts a burning South African flag — in its current form because of the public outcry, including protestations from President Cyril Ramaphosa, who called it “treasonous”.
The SABC’s decision was explained in a letter to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa signed by SABC complaints specialist Nyiko Shibambo on Thursday.
The DA has defended the advert, saying it was meant to convey a message about what would happen if voters did not support it in the upcoming elections and allowed an ANC-EFF coalition to run the country.
However, the SABC likened the image of the burning flag to desecration, saying the political advert went against the spirit of nation-building and should be condemned.
The party faced a backlash on social media after the advert was released on Sunday. The video has attracted more than 2-million views on X.
In the video, the flag burns while the narrator says: “In this election, for the first time in 30 years, the ANC will lose its majority. But they will do anything to stay in power.
“Imagine a coalition between the ANC, the violent EFF and the Zuma faction. Under this coalition, life will only get worse. This election is about survival. Unite to rescue South Africa. Vote DA.”
As the advert nears its end, the flag is restored to its original form.
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