Tuesday, 08 April 2008
Talk Radio 702 and 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s news editor, Katy Katopodis, has welcomed the South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) ruling on the Forum of Black Journalists (FBJ) saying “it’s a major victory to eradicate racial exclusivity.”
Katopodis lodged a complaint with the SAHRC after the FBJ hosted a “Blacks only” luncheon with ANC President, Jacob Zuma. She argued that the racially exclusive off-the record briefing went against the spirit of the constitution.
Katopodis said at a public hearing hosted by the Commission “that the issue in question is not the right to form an organisation of black journalists but rather the exclusion of journalists, based on race alone.”
She also argued that there was a place for organisations such as the FBJ because of historic imbalances but was firm on the issue of racial exclusion. “We are delighted that the SAHRC agrees that “there can be no doubt that organisations such as the FBJ, in principle, play a useful and constructive role in the transformation of the media.”
“I am pleased that the SAHRC agrees that the FBJ’s blanket exclusion of white journalists from membership from same is not justified,” said Katopodis. “In our submission, we argued that the FBJ contravened a number of constitutional provisions.”
The SAHRC, in its findings, noted: “The Commission, although maintaining its finding that voluntary associations are in and of themselves not unconstitutional, finds that the policy by the FBJ of restricting its membership on the basis of race, would not pass constitutional muster.”
Katopodis welcomed the commission’s recommendation that the FBJ should revisit and amend its policies, particularly with regards to the provisions which relate to its membership.
“We agree wholeheartedly with the SAHRC’s finding that until such time as the FBJ has duly revisited and amended such provisions so as to ensure that they are constitutionally valid, the FBJ should desist from excluding membership to its organisation on the sole basis of race.”
Katopodis added that she was in full agreement about the suggested way forward for other imbizos. The SAHRC said that “should the FBJ amend the provisions of its Constitution which relates to membership, thereby opening membership to all races subject to the proviso that any person who chooses to become a member of the FBJ should subscribe to their principles and be committed to the advancement and empowerment of black journalists, then in that case the Commission would not see anything wrong by limiting the attendees at such an imbizo to only its members.”
She said: “I hope the FBJ will transform itself and move forward. Let’s all work together for the advancement of journalism- irrespective of race. We decided to raise our objections about the FBJ because racism from any quarter, in any form, should not be tolerated. We took a stand on a principle issue and we won. It’s a victory against the fight for racial exclusion”
“COCONUTS”
Primedia Broadcasting’s Group Head of News and Talk Programming, Yusuf Abramjee, and 702/567 talk show host, Kieno Kammies, also lodged a complaint with the SAHRC after columnist Jon Qwelane referred to them as “coconuts” in a racial context (black on the outside and white on the inside) at the FBJ meeting. Abramjee and Kammies attended the FBJ meeting because they were allowed to in terms of the invitation. Indians and Coloureds are also regarded as Blacks. The two raised objections at the meeting and asked why the gathering excluded some journalists “purely based on the colour of their skin.” Abramjee and Kammies walked out of the meeting in protest. This is when Qwelane referred to them as “coconuts.” In their complaint to the SAHRC, they intimated that they regard the use of the term “coconut” as “… not only insulting – but discriminatory”. Abramjee and Kammies further view the label “coconut” as “… harmful, hurtful, derogatory and an attack on [their] dignity …”.
The Commission found that the word “coconut” does not amount to hate speech in terms of section 16 of the Constitution. However, the SAHRC said: “Notwithstanding the above, it must be emphasised that in view of the spirit and constitutional imperative of nation building, in general the word “coconut” may under certain circumstances evoke feelings of indignity and the Commission would certainly wish to discourage the general use of the term where it is likely to cause such indignity, irrespective of the intention with which the words are used.” It added: “While the Commission encourages robust and lively debate, the Commission affirms that there is an onus on all South Africans, particularly those public figures, to refrain from making undesirable remarks which allude in a disparaging manner to race, gender, sexual orientation and the like.”
Abramjee and Kammies said: “We welcome the findings of the SAHRC and we are in full agreement. We are happy that the Commission has taken a stand and stated clearly that the use of the word ‘coconut’ should be discouraged from being used.”
“We hope Qwelane will take heed of the Commission’s findings and recommendations. Others who also use the word ‘coconuts’ in a racial context must also take note of these findings,” they added. Abramjee said: “The debate over the FBJ has caused some divisions in South African newsrooms. With the SAHRC findings, let’s now move forward and implement the various recommendations. The media has an important role to play and it’s vital that we all stand united and committed. “This debate was marred with some unpleasantness and personal attacks from some quarters. It’s unfortunate…But, let’s stand united so that the journalism fraternity can benefit,” he added. 702’s station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa said; “We accept the findings of the SAHRC. The protection, development and attainment of human rights are very important and that is the reason why we took this matter to the Commission. “702 and some of our staffers were criticised when we lodged the complaint about the FBJ’s racially exclusive gathering. We have now been vindicated,” she added. |
