Two journalists from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have found themselves in serious trouble after their private negative remarks about the state funeral of Minister Pravin Gordhan were accidentally aired live.
The incident, which has caused widespread embarrassment for the public broadcaster, occurred during what was supposed to be a routine coverage of the high-profile event.
According to sources within the SABC, the two journalists, whose names have not been disclosed, were unaware that their microphones were still live when they began discussing their personal views on Gordhan's state funeral arrangements. The comments, which reportedly included criticism of the decision to grant him a state funeral, were broadcast to thousands of viewers across the country.
The SABC has issued a formal apology to viewers, as well as to Gordhan's family and the broader public, acknowledging the error and promising swift disciplinary action against the journalists involved. "We regret the unfortunate incident that occurred during our live broadcast and extend our sincerest apologies. The remarks made were not in line with the views of the SABC, and we are currently investigating the matter internally," read the statement.
While the exact nature of the comments has not been made public, those who heard the broadcast said the remarks were "disrespectful" and "inappropriate" for such a solemn occasion. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with some calling for the immediate dismissal of the journalists, while others have expressed understanding that it may have been an unintended mistake.
The incident has raised concerns about professionalism within the public broadcaster, with media experts warning that such slip-ups can damage the credibility of the SABC. "This is a serious breach of journalistic ethics, especially when covering such a sensitive event. The public relies on broadcasters to handle these moments with dignity and respect," said a media analyst.
The two journalists are expected to face disciplinary hearings in the coming days, and it remains to be seen what consequences they will face. This incident has also sparked broader discussions about the training and protocols in place for live broadcasts, with many calling for better safeguards to prevent similar errors in the future.
As the SABC works to contain the fallout, the unfortunate broadcast has cast a shadow over the funeral coverage, drawing attention away from what was meant to be a moment of national reflection on the legacy of Pravin Gordhan