File this in the you-can't-make-this-up category: Religious leaders from different church denominations came out to pray for the beleaguered SABC.
South Africa's public broadcaster in a statement says that the SABC "really appreciate their prayers".
The SABC's acting chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng says "there are many negative perceptions about the SABC out there and such visits go a long way in rebuilding the image of the corporation. We really appreciate their prayers."
The statement follows 40 bishops and elders who visited the SABC to pray for the public broadcaster which has suffered its worst year since inception in the public perception stakes.
The beleaguered broadcaster has been rocked by more negative stories in 2012 than ever before from top executive and board level where members resigned, fought each other and embarrassed the SABC in parliament, to public protests against the SABC and a barrage of constant negative reports running the gamut from banned ads, banned guests of show, an admission of pervasive blacklisting practices and a non-starter 24-hour news channel. Even the veteran SABC news anchor Riaan Cruywagen this year has left the building.
