Sources have told News24 that former Primedia Broadcasting journalist Stephen Grootes is joining SAfm. But the SABC has not officially confirmed the move.
The news provoked a new outburst from leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters commander in chief, Julius Malema, who accused the public broadcaster of bringing back “whiteness”.
The Media Online approached the public broadcaster for official comment on whether Grootes was joining the SABC, and for its response to Malema’s accusations.
“At the moment we are not talking about any individual appointments that are made, because the process is still ongoing,” said spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago. “SAfm, like all the other radio stations, are changing their line-up and until they are finalised and signed we cannot comment on it.”
He added that the new presenter line-ups were starting in the new financial year, in a week or so, and then statements would be issued by the SABC on the line-up changes.
“SABC is becoming eNCA lite with its whiteness”
Over the weekend, Malema slammed the public broadcaster in a tweet, accusing it of bringing “whiteness” into the organisation. In another tweet he compared the evolution of the SABC into eNCA lite because of its so-called “whiteness”.
The changes at SABC are worrisome, someone is busy creating @eNCA lite at the SABC. We have to find a way of stopping whiteness from taking over the only platform of black people before is too late. @eNCA is the platform that perpetuate white supremacy and there’s no doubt
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 18, 2018
I think EFF should really discuss in depth the role of @eNCA in perpetuating and defending white privilege and see if we can’t come to the same conclusion we did with the ANN7. I don’t know maybe I’m wrong but a proper discourse can conclude this.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 18, 2018
“It’s very unfortunate that a statement like that is made, because I don’t know what it means to say we have brought whiteness. What is whiteness that we have brought? When we get people, we get them because of their capability. It’s got nothing to do with where they come from and where they’ve been working before,” Kganyago responded.
He compared talent acquisition to a soccer match, stressing, “You look at where you want to take your station and who you want to take you there, and it’s purely on what they’re capable of, and what they can bring to the platform. It’s got nothing to do with whiteness or where they come from”.
As for being compared to eNCA, Kganyago added, “We will always remain the SABC. And we are the only public service broadcaster in this country, therefore you cannot compare us to any other”.
Reactions from the public
SAfm presenter Sakina Kamwendo also sent out a tweet, implying that people have been speculating that Grootes will be co-hosting her show.
1. The question of co-hosting with @StephenGrootes NEVER arose. It was NEVER discussed with me. 2. @StephenGrootes is a colleague I’ve known for a long time & hold in high regard. Again this matter was NEVER discussed between Stephen & I, nor have I discussed it with ANYONE else.
— Sakina Kamwendo (@SakinaKamwendo) March 18, 2018
Please allow me to set the record straight on the story on page 6 of today’s @SundayWorldZA. I’m surprised by this narrative that seeks to portray me as an entitled prima-donna. pic.twitter.com/629d649l82
— Sakina Kamwendo (@SakinaKamwendo) March 18, 2018
Reactions to Malema’s tweets were mixed.
Such a racist comment. Employ people based on skills and ability, not on the colour of their skin. Look to the Blitzbokke if you want proof of concept.
— DC ✊ (@DarrylCombe) March 18, 2018
The threat of the #EFF is really shaking the WMC as we are heading for the elections. Imagine having the SABC and eNCA dictating what the nation must know. What are we left with? We need PowerTV.
— Sipho S'phiwe Ka Majozi (@MAJOZI__MP) March 18, 2018
Something is not right at 702
Primedia Broadcasting veteran John Robbie theorised in a tweet that something is “not right” at 702, after the number of high profile departures from the station in the past year.
I've been out for a year from @Radio702 . It was the friendliest parting ever. However too many stalwarts, on and off air, are leaving. @StephenGrootes is the latest. Something is not right.
— John Robbie (@John_C_Robbie) March 15, 2018
But speaking to TshisaLIVE, 702 station manager Thabisile Mbete dismissed that talk: “702 remains in a strong position to deliver great content to our audiences. There have been a number of changes for many different reasons and some of these have been precipitated by the broader changes in the broadcasting sector. Change also brings opportunity and we believe the current line-up is well positioned to navigate the complex conversations we need to have in the country.”
Michael Bratt is a multimedia journalist at Wag the Dog, publishers of The Media Online and The Media. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelBratt8
