DURBAN, South Africa – The South African Human Rights (SAHRC) Commission has opened an own accord investigation following various complaints, including from the leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), General Bantu Holomisa against eNCA reporter Lindsay Dentlinger.
SAHRC said in a statement, “The grievances allege that Dentlinger treated interviewees differently on the basis of their race, in interviews conducted outside parliament during the Budget Speech on 24 February.”
“The Commission is in the process of investigating the matter and has requested to meet with eNCA and Dentlinger on the allegations,” added SAHRC.
Earlier this week, the African National Congress (ANC) said it would lodge a formal complaint to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and the SAHRC against Dentlinger’s behaviour.
They also picketed outside the eNCA head office in Hyde Park and handed over six demands which include apologising to all South Africans for pain and hurt caused by Dentlinger.
ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte said they wanted ICASA to investigate whether eNCA’s conduct was inconsistent with its licence conditions. She said they were not happy with eNCA’s handling of the Dentlinger debacle.
By Zakithi Dlamini