Calls for cancellation of Moja Love's abusive Isencane Lengane as viewers make BCCSA complaints over domestic violence while channel offers 'psychological support' to Thando

by Thinus Ferreira

Organisations and DStv subscribers are calling for the cancellation of the abusive reality show Isencane Lengane on Moja Love (DStv 157) with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) that received complaints about the controversial programme.

Moja Love on Wednesday said it "continues to offer psychological support" to the one female participant, Thando, in the show.

Isencane Lengane follows the turbulent lives of the young Siyacela Dlamuka (22) and Thando Msomi (21) who got married as teenagers in KwaZulu-Natal at 16 and 15.

Isencane Lengane sparked outrage when Moja Love in 2023 broadcast an episode showing a violent domestic abuse incident. 

The show once again caused outrage with an April episode, showing extremely abusive behaviour on DStv when Siyacela was shown to threaten Thando with physical violence and said he would hit her with a sjambok, while verbally insulting her.

He told Thando he wants a second wife and will get a second wife without her consent.

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) told TVwithThinus on Wednesday that it had "received several complaints which we were able to refer to MultiChoice for a response".

The BCCSA said that the majority of complaints over Isencane Lengane however "did not fit our criteria".

MultiChoice told TVwithThinus in response to a media query "We understand the concerns regarding the content broadcast on third-party channel, Moja Love".

"MultiChoice does not condone violence in any form. As a broadcaster, we do not have editorial control over Moja Love's programming nor do we endorse any specific viewpoints they may present, we will ascertain that this matter is escalated to the channel."

On Wednesday, Moja Love said that the TV channel "has been inundated with media queries, including various views expressed on social media, relating to an episode of Isencane Lengane, currently on season 7, which broadcast on Sunday 20 April 2025".

"It is important to note that the show is a reality show which reflects, explores and raises awareness and contributes to the discourse on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and societal ills."

Nonzwakazi Cekete, Moja Love spokesperson, said that "Whilst the episode aired on Sunday 20 April 2025 is upsetting to some viewers, which the channel takes note of and does not take lightly, it does not incite or promote GBV".

"The opposite, however, is true in that the impugned episode explores misogyny and deep-rooted views of one of the main cast relating to polygamy albeit ill-advised. The channel has and continues to offer psychological support to Thando, affected members and has done so in the past and will continue to do so."

The non-profit organisation Women for Change slammed Moja Love and demands that MultiChoice and Moja Love cancel the series.

"For far too long, South Africans have witnessed the devastating impact of gender-based violence and domestic abuse in their communities. Yet the reality TV show on DStv's Moja Love, Isencane Lengane continues to exploit this reality for entertainment value, turning deeply troubling instances of emotional and verbal abuse into content for profit and clicks".

"This is not just irresponsible, it is dangerous."

"By broadcasting such abuse without adequate intervention and accountability, Moja Love is normalising and trivialising gender-based violence, sending the harmful message that abuse is acceptable if it brings in viewers."

"In a country where women and children are raped, beaten, and killed every day, this kind of programming is not only tone-deaf, it is a betrayal of every victim and survivor."

"The show depicts disturbing dynamics, including coercion, manipulation, degradation, and violence, all under the guise of 'reality TV'. What makes this even more horrific is the ongoing failure to protect the young woman featured in the series, who has visibly suffered repeated harm while the cameras continue to roll."

"Abuse is not entertainment. Trauma is not a storyline," says Women for Change. "This kind of exploitation cannot be justified under the guise of cultural representation or entertainment. The right to entertain must never come at the cost of someone's safety, dignity, or humanity".

The organisation demands that Moja Love "discontinue the Isencane Lengane due to its dangerous portrayal of abuse and toxic relationships".

"If Thando wants to leave her abusive marriage, Moja Love and relevant authorities must offer immediate emotional and legal support. The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) must hold Moja Love accountable for violating ethical standards."

"Viewers and advertisers to stand against the exploitation of abuse and demand higher standards from the media they support. We remind South Africa that what we choose to watch, support, and allow to continue reflects the kind of society we are building."

"This is not just about a television show, this is about the systemic failure to protect women in South Africa, on and off screen."

The South African Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) organisation also slams Moja Love for Isencane Lengane for what it calls "dangerous" television.

"Media platforms have a moral and social responsibility to promote content that upholds the dignity, safety, and rights of individuals."

"Broadcasting acts of domestic abuse or violence in any form - whether under the guise of reality TV or entertainment - is a gross violation of this responsibility."

"It sends a dangerous message that violence can be exploited for public spectacle. Editorial standards and programming choices must be reviewed for any content that trivialises acts of gender-based violence and abuse against women."

SABC News journalists in disciplinary action after viewers hear their shocking hot mic comments during Pravin Gordhan funeral

Thinus Ferreira

Two SABC News journalists are facing disciplinary action after damaging the South African public broadcaster's credibility and causing massive embarrassment for their crass and shocking comments during the live funeral broadcast of former South African minister Pravin Gordhan while they were unaware that their microphones were on and that viewers could hear everything.

The identities of the two female journalists are not yet known.

Shocked SABC News (DStv 404) viewers got an earful and forced the SABC to apologise to Pravin Gordhan's family for the crass, shocking and extremely insensitive comments SABC News journalists made when they thought they were off the air during his category 2 funeral service.

During the live broadcast of six hours, the two women repeatedly made vulgar and nasty comments while visuals of Pravin Gordhan's coffin were shown, while draped in turn with the ANC flag, and later the South African flag. 

They also made nasty comments while government officials and other dignitaries, his daughters and family members spoke on stage at the Durban International Conference Centre.

With the funeral procession following the funeral service and with the South African flag on the coffin underway to the crematorium, more disgusting comments were made. 

Viewers heard how the journalists laughed and rhetorically asked who Pravin Gordhan thought he was to deserve these flags on his coffin. 

With duration to the length of the funeral proceedings, they said he wouldn't be collected by the ancestors because they got tired and that his soul would just become a ghost. 

They also branded Pravin Gordhan a white capitalist. 

Neither the journalists nor the SABC's technical team realised that their microphones remained switched on while they should have been muted and that they remained on in what the industry calls "hot mics", while viewers heard everything.

So bad was the SABC's coverage flub that the SABC was forced to censor its own recording of its funeral coverage broadcast.

In the SABC's censored recording there are sections where the sound has been completely removed, sections that have been completely cut, as well as sections where the visual and soundtrack are both replaced by a title card showing a photo of Pravin Gordhan. It happens throughout the broadcast. 

On YouTube, the SABC has censored the funeral broadcast's live chat replay function and completely deleted it.

In this chat box, while the funeral was watched live, or watched as a recording, real-time comments from viewers appeared on 20 September where they warned and told the SABC about what it was doing, asked what was going on and why nobody was stopping the fiasco.

Moshoeshoe Monare, SABC News boss, has since been forced to "sincerely apologise" to the family and friends of Pravin Gordhan "after two of our journalists were heard making the most insensitive and unprofessional remarks during the live funeral service coverage".

"Even though the journalists were unaware that their mic was open, their conduct and comments were inexcusable. Their remarks do not represent the values, views and editorial policy of SABC News," Moshoeshoe Monare said.

Mmoni Seapolelo, SABC media manager, said "The SABC is aware of the incident and would like to place it on record that it condemns the actions of the journalists concerned".

"This incident is regrettable as the SABC always encourages all its employees to deliver their work in a diligent and professional manner in line with its values of respect, trust, integrity and quality. This matter is being addressed internally and the SABC has also apologised publicly and to the Gordhan family."

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) told TVwithThinus that by Saturday it hadn't received any complaints from viewers. Viewers however indicated that they have complained directly with the SABC.

More Big Brother Mzansi uproar as contestant Liema is warned over spitting and threatening physical violence.

by Thinus Ferreira

Controversy continues to swirl around the latest season of MultiChoice and M-Net's Big Brother Mzansi reality show on DStv with another contestant who got a first warning for spitting on other contestants and threatening physical violence.

On Friday afternoon, the voice of Big Brother in the Red Pepper Pictures show told the 22-year-old Liyema Phantsi, known as Liema, that she is getting a first warning or "strike" for spitting on two other contestants, threatening violence and using offensive language.

It follows after Liema physically slapped and shoved Harriet "Mpumi" Mthimunye and then spat in Jareed's face.

DStv subscribers wanted her gone a week after a liquor-fuelled party from the producers that led to Lindokuhle Nsele known as BRavo B getting disqualified and evicted, while Tshepo Tau known as Makhekhe got a first warning following a discussion in which they decided which women in the house they wanted to rape first since the women were allegedly drunk.

The camera-filled house show, executive produced by Natalie Bleksley, is in its 4th season under the Big Brother Mzansi moniker and the 10th season overall of Big Brother done by M-Net in South Africa according to the Banijay format.

In 2008, Channel 4 and Brighter Pictures in the United Kingdom evicted contestant Dennis McHugh from the 9th season of Big Brother UK after spitting in another contestant's face and in 2017 another Big Brother UK contestant was banned for spitting.

Following the events of a week ago, MultiChoice on Friday was asked whether it believes the show is problematic or has no problem with it. 

The pay-TV operator declined to answer the question but said "Big Brother takes all the house rules seriously and if there is any unruly behaviour in the house that deviates from the rules in place, he will take the necessary disciplinary action".

Big Brother Mzansi main sponsor LottoStar didn't respond to a media query made Friday asking whether it's happy being associated with the show and the behaviour of the contestants wearing LottoStar branding.

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), similar to last week, told TVwithThinus that by Friday afternoon it hadn't received any properly articulated complaints from viewers that could be referred to MultiChoice for a response.

Before the start of the latest season Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, said that this season known as Big Brother S'ya Mosha would be "a disruption of the norm" and would be "the most memorable season for disrupting and breaking away from what is expected".

Previous seasons of Big Brother Mzansi, as well as the Nigerian version, Big Brother Naija, have been mired in multiple scandals involving incidents of physical violence including gender-based violence GBV), threats of violence and drunken brawls over the years.

ALSO READ: Season 4 of Big Brother Mzansi in early 2024 axes shower hour, adds new game mechanics.

ALSO READ: 'Let's f*ck her first, she's drunk': MultiChoice investigating LottoStar-clad Big Brother Mzansi contestants on DStv after saying they're planning to rape women.

ALSO READ: MultiChoice and M-Net remove LottoStar-clad contestant Bravo B from Red Pepper Productions and Mzansi Magic's liquor-soaked reality show on DStv after talk to rape drunk women.

BCCSA dismisses complaint over bare breasts in Mzansi Magic's Shaka iLembe on MultiChoice's DStv.

by Thinus Ferreira

A DStv subscriber's complaint about nudity and bare-breasted women depicted in Mzansi Magic's new Sunday night drama series Shaka iLembe has been dismissed by the Broadcasting Complains Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).

While MultiChoice's M-Net channels like M-Net (DStv 101) and its streamer Showmax have been showing bare breasts, buttocks and also an increasing number of male genitals over the past few years in American series - notably from HBO - there haven't been complaints until women with bare breasts appeared in a locally-produced series.

The BCCSA received a complaint from a DStv viewer about the female breasts on display in Shaka iLembe trailers shown on the pay-TV service and dismissed the complaint. 

MultiChoice said the promos for Shaka iLembe were all scheduled and shown late at night after the so-called "watershed period" for pay-TV after content aimed at adult audiences can be shown and when children are less likely to be watching television.

"Further, in line with classification guidelines, if the nudity is in cultural context, no nudity warning is required. The overall age restriction for the series is 16," a MultiChoice spokesperson told TVwithThinus in response to a media query.

Hlonipha Mokoena, associate professor at the Wits Institute for Social & Economic Research (WiSER), one of the academics who was involved in Shaka iLembe, says "It was to be expected that on seeing the first episode of Shaka Ilembe some viewers would feel discomfort at the sight of the style of clothing that we have used to represent Zulu/Nguni culture".

"From our initial discussions about the series after extensive consultation with the lead cast, we made a policy decision that whilst we wanted to be authentic in representing the period, no actor or actress would be forced to reveal their body if it made them feel uncomfortable or exploited."

"The decision was also that no actor or actress would be denied a part in Shaka Ilembe if they decided that they didn't want to show their body. We followed that policy in the making of the series."

BCCSA complaints roll in after Phat Joe’s homophobic DStv dinner show on M-Net's 1Magic channel, MultiChoice doesn't want to say why and how Cheeky Palate comments made it to air.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) has received multiple complaints about the alleged homophobic broadcast of Phat Joe's new TV dinner show on M-Net's 1Magic (DStv 103) channel while MultiChoice is shying away from directly answering questions about why the content has been allowed to air.

In Majota Kambule's (known as Phat Joe) latest TV show, Cheeky Palate, produced by Connect TV with Basetsana Kumalo as executive producer that was broadcast Friday night, the host's TV dinner guests like former beauty queen Gerry Rantseli Elsdon and Joshua Maponga made utterances condemning homosexuality as sinful.

Neither the show nor 1Magic offered any counterpoint or balance during the broadcast that quickly veered into homophobia. Other guests in the episode included Nobuntu Webster, Gogo Dineo and Zwai Bala. Phat Joe himself was suspended in 2019 from his Radio 2000 show over homophobic comments.

The BCCSA told TVwithThinus on Tuesday that it had received 5 complaints so far about Cheeky Palate and that these have been submitted to MultiChoice and M-Net who will now have to provide a copy of the broadcast and their comment.

By Tuesday it appeared as if the episode was abruptly removed from MultiChoice's DStv Now Catch Up service. 

It's not clear whether the repeats of Cheeky Palate have been pulled from the 1Magic schedule and MultiChoic that was asked if rebroadcasts on the channel have been removed, didn't answer the question. 

A media enquiry to 1Magic, an in-house produced channel by M-Net, was passed to MultiChoice.

MulticChoice in response to the media enquiry said that "The first episode featured guests from different walks of life, who were invited to speak to their experiences and thoughts on spirituality".

"We acknowledge concerns expressed by some viewers who may have been offended by some of the views expressed on the show, particularly around the LGBTIQ+ community. The views expressed are not those of MultiChoice which embraces diversity, equality and inclusion."

MultiChoice was also asked why M-Net broadcasts homophobic comments like those that were expressed on its airwaves in Cheeky Palate and why the decision was made not to include balance to the viewpoints aired. 

MultiChoice was also asked whether the show and episode of Cheeky Palate in question remain on the schedule but MultiChoice chose not to give specific answers to these questions.

MultiChoice's DStv in new racism scandal after Kwarantyn contestant uses 'K'-word racial slur in Afrikaans reality show; kykNET boss Karen Meiring calls shocking incident 'completely unacceptable'.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and it's Afrikaans M-Net division have once again been engulfed by a racism scandal after a contestant in its Afrikaans Kwarantyn reality show broadcast on DStv shockingly uttered a racial slur on live television on Thursday night.

kykNET boss Karen Meiring on Friday morning in a video conference call with the media that was pre-arranged and supposed to highlight upcoming new content, cancelled the day's media briefing and told journalists that what "What happened last night in Kwarantyn is completely unacceptable".

"The Kwarantyn issue requires our full attention today. Unfortunately we have to postpone this because we have to take issue in terms of what happened last night and we have to handle that."

"It's really a serious issue for us and we will let you know the outcome. To sit with you for 2 hours honestly wouldn't feel right to me in terms of what is happening right now."

"Together we will, with all of these things happening in our society and the things we have to address as Afrikaans-speaking people in this country, together we will get through it. Today we have the responsibility to address something and we feel very, very serious about it and that is what we are going to do now."

So far there has been no official comment from MultiChoice or its Afrikaans M-Net division, or what is happening to Kwarantyn that runs as a kykNET-produced pop-up channel on DStv channel 149, or the contestant.

A contestant in the Red Pepper Pictures produced show uttered the "K"-word racial slur on Thursday night which broadcasts the Le Roux and Scheepers families living in two adjacent homes in Johannesburg competing for prizes with the first Big Brother South Africa winner Ferdinand Rabie as the presenter.

During an in-show competition on Thursday night - day 16 of the show that is supposed to stretch over 50 days - the 49-year old, "nice white mom" Jana le Roux uttered the derogatory and offensive "k"-word slur.

When her white family lost to the coloured Scheepers family, mom Jana le Roux exclaimed, "Wow, that's a k- beating!" in Afrikaans, as other contestants looked shocked.

By Friday afternoon kykNET has not decided to, or taken any action, to immediately remove Jana le Roux from Kwarantyn, and MultiChoice and M-Net failed to terminate the programme to show that it won't stand for racism or racist behaviour.

Jana le Roux has not apologised in any public statement.

kykNET in a terse statement Friday afternoon said that "Thursday evening in the programme Kwarantyn a racist remark was made that goes against the constitution, the spirit of the programme and kykNET".

"The channel apologises to everyone who has been offended by this. kykNET remains committed to a non-racial society, without discrimination."

"kykNET doesn't shy away from the responsibility to tackle and highlight historical and current complex issues. The situation requires decisive action and is managed with urgency," said Karen Meiring, the director of M-Net's kykNET channels in the statement.

South Africa's Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCCSA) told TVwithThinus on Friday afternoon in response to a media enquiry that it received three complaints, has opened a case over the Red Pepper Pictures produced show and is waiting for MultiChoice to respond. 

Unlike third-party acquired channels the Kwarantyn pop-up channel is produced by the Afrikaans channels section of MultiChoice's M-Net content division. 

"We received three official complaints and we are awaiting the broadcaster’s response," the BCCSA says.

UPDATE Friday 26 June 2020 17:00: Mom Jana le Roux is out and has been removed from the show, but MultiChoice and kykNET chose not to end Kwarantyn but to continue the show. The Le Roux family will continue to benefit from on-air exposure and could possibly win R250 000.

Mom Jana de Roux cut a (sym)pathetic figure on Friday afternoon as she cried with her family members on television and hugged her husband as kykNET continued to give her coverage and broadcast her family farewell moments.

Presenter Ferdinand Rabie said that Jana le Roux has been disqualified and is leaving the house.

The producers told Jana le Roux to leave the house at 17:45 on Friday late afternoon.

Earlier on Friday TVwithThinus asked MultiChoice, M-Net and kykNET specific questions in a media enquiry. By the time Jana exited there was no response yet on any of the questions.

Why has MultiChoice/DStv not immediately removed the Kwarantyn contestant and/or family who used a racial slur?

Why has MultiChoice/DStv/M-Net/kykNET not immediately ended/stopped the Kwarantyn show to show that it won't tolerate racism as the company said in the past and will this family still get any money/prizes/benefit/exposure from this DStv channel/programme?

Why has there been no intervention or counselling discussion with the Scheepers and/or Le Roux family?

Why is there no on-air on-channel message from DStv/kykNET to apologise?

What happens to the benefits the family/person already received/will receive through DStv and them staying in the house as part of kykNET's TV show?


UPDATE Friday 26 June 2020 17:45: Mom Jana le Roux leaves Kwarantyn after her on-air racial slur got her evicted from the show, with MultiChoice and kykNET that have chosen to keep the show going instead of terminating the reality series.

"Outside everything will be fine. Don't be worried about that," she tells her family as they all huddle and hug goodbye. "On the Lord," says mom Jana le Roux as she hugs her family goodbye. Then she walks.

"Outside everything will be fine. Don't be worried about that," says mom Jana le Roux after her on-air racial slur and getting evicted from @kykNETtv's Kwarantyn reality series on @DStv. "On the Lord," she says as she hugs her family goodbye. Then she walks: pic.twitter.com/BkYKbtMFQP

— TVwithThinus (@TVwithThinus) June 26, 2020

ALSO READ: As even more Mike Bolhuis racist slurs from the kykNET reality star surface including him using the 'k'-word, MultiChoice says it is still considering 'the reinstatement of the show'.
ALSO READ: After MultiChoice canned racist Mike Bolhuis' TV show on kykNET the private investigator starts a belated apology tour pleading for forgiveness: 'I used these terms in anger'.
ALSO READ: MultiChoice canned the Bolhuis reality show on kykNET after investigator Mike Bolhuis used racist and derogatory language including the 'n'-word.

Moja Love stops Uyajola 9/9 after complaints, says controversial cheaters show will be back despite viewer complaints.

Moja Love (DStv 157) has stopped the controversial cheaters show, Uyajola 9/9, following viewers' complaints with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).

Molemo Maarohanye known as Jub Jub is the presenter of the controversial new tabloid reality show Uyajola 9/9 that  started in late May 2019 and exposes people cheating on their partners but which has now been shelved with the programme that is on an indefinite production break.

Viewers constantly complained about the show and a week ago viewers complained with the BCCSA following an episode showing physical assault and gratuitous violence when a woman attacked her husband, followed by the female he has been allegedly having an affair with.

TVwithThinus asked Moja Love, run by Siyaya TV, why Uyajola 9/9 has been removed from the TV channel, when it will be back and what Moja Love has to say about the complaints lodged against the channel and the show with the BCCSA.

Lindiwe Mbonambi said in response that "Uyajola 9/9 is going on a production break as the series has ended. The channel will communicate in due course when the new series will start."

Moja Love had no comment about what the channel makes of the complaints from viewers with the complaints commission.

The BCCSA confirmed that it had received complaints about Moja Love's Uyajola 9/9 that pertains to the depiction of violence, gender violence and language use.

MultiChoice in response to a media enquiry told TVwithThinus that "MultiChoice can confirm that it has received a complaint from the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), with regards to a recent episode of Uyajola 9/9, which aired on independent channel Moja Love on Saturday, 28 September 2019".

"Whilst we do not exercise editorial control over third party channels, which have fully independent editorial and content policies, we are in discussions with the channel about this particular complaint and will respond accordingly to the BCCSA."

After eNCA anchor Vuyo Mvoko is found in breach of Broadcasting Code with Orania opinion in a news bulletin, eNCA loses appeal and is ordered to run an on-air apology.

eNCA (DStv 403) has been ordered to apologise after adding opinion to a TV news bulletin and losing its appeal after the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) found that the TV news channel breached the Broadcasting Code by including "unfounded opinion" into a news show.

On 17 April 2019 during the channel's prime time news broadcast, the eNCA anchor Vuyo Mvoko added personal comment after an insert about Orania, saying "that black people are only welcome there if they are domestics or if they are garden boys, there is no other recognition than this".

Two viewers complained.

eNCA visited Orania in its Election Bus shortly before the general elections earlier this year.

The BCCSA adjudicator said that "One of the principles that news anchors must adhere to, is to conduct a news bulletin in a neutral way, without stating personal opinions".

"In a national news bulletin a few weeks before an election, it is, to say the least, an unwise decision to broadcast such a preconceived perception that is adhered to regardless of preceding clarifying arguments, especially in the volatile situation that the country currently finds itself in."

The BCCSA found that "the final comment by the anchor cannot be seen as news reported truthfully, accurately, fairly and in the correct context, without intentional departure from the facts and thus it constitutes a contravention".

eNCA appealed the BCCSA decision and said that the broadcast in question did not qualify as news as defined in the Code and that the complaint should have been decided based only the part of the code of conduct which deals with comment - although eNCA in its initial response to the complainants itself indicated that the broadcast was a "news story".

The BCCSA said that "The method in which news is structured or packaged does not change the fact that the programme is news." The BCCSA said that "where a news broadcast is founded on opinion, this must be clearly indicated, however this was not the case in the last comment of the broadcast in question".

"The result thereof is that an incorrect impression was created in the eyes of the public, and the public could easily be misled into believing that the newsreader’s comment was fact or based on fact."

"The problem with the final comment made by the newsreader is that it put to the viewers a statement of fact," the BCCSA found.

"After the comment, there was no further room for engagement with the respondent. The comment was made in a news programme, identified as a news programme by the Appeal Tribunal and named as such by eNCA."

"The comment was thus not fair and was not based on facts but on opinion, however the comment was not presented in such a manner that clearly indicated that it was based on opinion or even allegations and rumours."

The BCCSA ordered eNCA to broadcast an on-air apology during the same news programme and in the same timeslot, noting that it apologises for the unfounded comment.

Moja Love and its Pay Papgeld on DStv fined R20 000 as Broadcasting Complaints Commission finds show 'completely ruined' a man's wedding and damaged his right to privacy.

The Moja Love (DStv 157) channel and its controversial show, No Excuses, Pay Papgeld, has now been fined R20 000 by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa after being found guilty a second time of breaching the broadcasting code of conduct, this time barging into a wedding reception and "completely ruining" it while invading the groom and wedding guests' privacy.

The BCCSA fined Moja Love and Pay Papgeld, produced for Moja Love by 3rd Strand Media and broadcast on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform, R20 000 for violating people's right to privacy and dignity.

The fine comes a month after Moja Love and Pay Papgeld were found guilty of another transgression in another episode in which the BCCSA ruled that the channel and show damaged people's dignity and privacy and failed to protect the children involved.

In the latest transgression, Moja Love's Pay Papgeld camera crew barged into the wedding reception of a man who was getting married to his second wife in early-December 2018 in Ekurhuleni.

The man complained to the BCCSA about the alleged illegal and unauthorised recording at his wedding as presenter Moss Makwati - who has now been replaced with Dr Malinga - gate-crashed his wedding reception near Germiston and confronted him with "unresearched and unfounded" allegations.

After recording the episode, Moja Love flighted a Pay Papgeld promo several times identifying the man, as well as friends and family members.

Moja Love told the BBCSA that "the channel and TV crew were not aware that the man's wedding celebration was ongoing. The intention was to go to his home to request for an interview and offer him a right of reply" and acknowledge that the "show's presenter entered the tent".

"On the show footage it's clear that once the man understands what is occurring, he guides our presenter out of the tent, speaks to him in a soft voice and attempts to downplay the issue."

"Yet as the situation seems to come to a resolution the new wife enters the conversation and actively turns it into a heated spectacle," said Moja Love.


'Pure sensational television material'
In its judgement on 1 April, the BCCSA says "Further shots in the promo show that the confrontation turned violent with the wedding guests joining the complainant in an attempt to chase the TV crew, who accompanied the presenter, away from the premises".

" It then becomes a free for all with the crew fleeing while being assaulted by the guests – pure sensational television material and very undignified." The BCCSA found that "the private life and dignity of the complainant was indeed intruded upon".

"It is clear that the Complainant’s private life and private concerns were severely intruded upon by the presenter and filming crew of the programme when they barged into the wedding reception of the complainant."

"The complainant could be recognised on the excerpts broadcast in the promo, however fleeting. It appears that the wedding event was completely ruined by the actions of the broadcasting team. This caused serious humiliation to the complainant," Prof Henning Viljoen, BCCSA chairperson, ruled.

"This is the second complaint of this nature lodged with the BCCSA the last few months where a programme or a promo of such a programme is broadcast as entertainment while the dispute between the parents has been or is being resolved by the Maintenance Court."

"It is contentious whether this form of entertainment protects the rights of children better than referring the dispute to the Maintenance Court," the BCCSA said.

"Be that as it may, our conclusion is that the complainant is not a public figure and although the public may have an interest in the private lives of men who allegedly do not pay maintenance or sufficient maintenance for their children, in this instance there is no proof of the public having a legitimate public interest in the private affairs of the complainant."

"Our finding is that the broadcaster did not exercise exceptional care when it broadcasted this promo in which the complainant could be clearly identified. The result is that the right of the complainant to privacy and dignity was violated with this promo."

In the ruling, the BCCSA says "We do not accept the argument by the broadcaster that it granted a right to reply to the complainant during the confrontation at the wedding reception, and that it thus complied with the provision in the code."

"Express and informed consent to an interview was required, but the complainant could not give this in the embarrassing situation he found himself. There was an outright violation of his right to privacy and dignity."

"The broadcaster contravened the code by not exercising exceptional care when dealing with the right to privacy and dignity of the complainant," said the BCCSA. A fine of R20 000 was imposed which must be paid to the BCCSA by 15 April 2019.

Broadcasting Complaints Commission finds Moja Love on DStv and its show, No Excuses: Pay Papgeld, breached the broadcasting code, damaged dignity and privacy, and failed to protect children involved.

The Moja Love (DStv 157) channel and its programme, No Excuses: Pay Papgeld, on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform breached the code of conduct by invading and damaging people's privacy and dignity and failed to protect the interest of the children involved, the Broadcasting Complaints of Commission (BCCSA) found.

The BCCSA found that the complainant's dignity and privacy were impaired and that the broadcaster breached several clauses of the subscription television broadcasting code, including a failure to uphold and protect the interest of the children involved who were identified by Moja Love and Pay Papgeld and then got taunted by others.

No Excuses: Pay Papgeld is produced for Moja Love by 3rd Strand Media.

The BCCSA initially dismissed the complaint against an episode of the show that does doorstop confrontation interviews with people allegedly not paying child maintenance and that was broadcast on 17 November 2018 on DStv and repeatedly broadcast several times after that. The complainant, with the help of a lawyer, appealed the decision with the appeal that was then upheld.

Thamsanqa Sibisi complained to the BCCSA after producers of No Excuses: Pay Papgeld showed up at his house and even before the episode was to be broadcast on Moja Love, pleading with the BCCSA to prevent Moja Love from broadcasting the episode after a promo was shown, saying "my name and the names of my wife and stepson are not hidden, that includes our faces and place of residence". 

He also said that "I have not defaulted in terms of the maintenance court order that was instituted. That can be proven".

He pleaded with the BCCSA to "please stop this from being shown on TV" and that "My family and I are due to be directly violated with malicious intent. Our characters will be violated too. I do not mean for you to be a censorship structure." 

He said "we are pleading with you to deter or stop this airing because it will violate our characters publicly. I would accept if I was in default of the maintenance court order."

The episode was however broadcast on Moja Love and repeated several times.

Thamsanqa Sibisi, a teacher, told the BCCSA that he just arrived at home from work when he saw people jumping over a recently dug-up foundation into his yard. "At this time there were many cameras and TV recording equipment in our yard and I was overwhelmed!"

"I tried to keep my cool and hear what they were here to say. But, in the background, not far from me, I could hear my ex-wife's voice. She was shouting profanities as the show's presenter was trying to ask me questions and engage me."

"I tried to answer by asking the presenter if they had done their homework before coming to me with their crew like they did. He clearly responded that they had not done so. No documents were seen from my ex-wife to prove that I was really not maintaining my children. We continued to argue."

"I then told them to leave our yard because they had not done their homework first. Mind you there are standing current court orders to that effect which state exactly how much must be paid for which children."

He told the BCCSA "Who are they that they come to our home and block the gate with their vehicle, the white H1 with no registration plates? I could have easily thought of them as hijackers on the day" and that "They never used the gate to enter our home, but jumped over a wall that was being built".

"There are standing court orders which we currently comply with. Hence the reason for me asking the presenter, Moss Makwati, if he had checked bank statements and verify them with or against her bank statements."

'Level of sensationalism by the broadcaster'

Moja Love told the BCCSA that Moja Love "made reasonable efforts to give the viewer an opportunity to state his positions" that it refers to multiple times erroneously as mister "Sibande". The channel argued that "What was difficult for the crew to handle was that all the violence and vitriol was aimed at the complainant, a single mother".

The BBCSA in its tribunal judgment said that the Pay Papgeld confrontation broadcast on Moja Love "was chaotic and was coupled with an altercation between the co-parent, the host of the show, the appellant's current wife and the appellant."

"Immediately from this clip, it was evident that there was a level of sensationalism by the broadcaster, prior to even getting into the merits of the alleged non-payment of child maintenance by the appellant."

The BCCSA in its judgment said that the Pay Papgeld presenter "stated that the appellant took advantage of the co-parent while she was at a tender age. This statement by the host was made as fact and was not presented in a way that suggested that it was just an allegation".

"The co-parent stated that the appellant, after abandoning her and their children, constantly resigned from work with the sole purpose of avoiding to pay child maintenance."

"The co-parent alleged further that the appellant would then claim his resignation packages and squander the funds with his current wife. The appellant's current wife was then portrayed by the co-parent as being an old traditional healer (isangoma) who snatched the co-parent's husband and threatened the co-parent's life."

"The host then alluded to this allegation and called on the department of justice to take action against fathers who repeatedly resign from work with the sole purpose of avoiding to pay child maintenance."

"Further allegations were made by the co-parent against the appellant regarding his sexual activities, alleging that the appellant's brother hinted to the co-parent that the appellant is not 'well'."

"In commentary, the host then stated 'You should be careful that you don't go picking up things from the street and bringing them home with you, it's clear that the ex-wife's life has no peace, I mean this can't be good for his health or his spirit."

"This, together with all the other allegations evidently had nothing to do with the maintenance of the children," the BCCSA found.

"There was only approximately 2 minutes spent by the co-parent talking about the pertinent issue of child maintenance, out of approximately 11 minutes (with commentary from the host) speaking on collateral issues. The majority of time was spent thoroughly portraying the appellant as a devious and irresponsible man," the BCCSA commissioner Nokubonga Fakude, said.

The BCCSA said "it is clear that the reputation and dignity of the appellant was greatly impaired. The reasonable viewer would conclude that the appellant is an irresponsible parent who abandoned his children. He is violent and is promiscuous."

"It is clear that the appellant's dignity was subjectively and objectively impaired. Actual prejudice was suffered by the Appellant as a result of the show. The broadcaster has thus contravened clause 28.4 of the Code," the BCCSA said.

The BCCSA said Moja Love's No Excuses: Pay Papgeld "left it to the appellant to disprove allegations that were made by the co-parent with the help of the host of the show. The co-parent's version was taken religiously and the broadcaster attempted to veil this by proclaiming that the appellant was given the right to reply".

"The broadcaster's submission that the appellant was given the right to reply is flawed," the BCCSA found, saying "The appellant's dignity was thoroughly impaired throughout the show".

Moja Love 'failed to uphold and protect the interest of the children involved'

"The appellant was subjected to a predicament he had no choice in being part of, but because he, after being ambushed at his home, reacted with emotion and refused to reply after the fact; he was then construed to be the author of his own misfortune. Under the circumstances, this reasoning is not justifiable,' the BCCSA found in its tribunal judgment.

"The opportunity to reply that Moja Love alleges was given to him was used to camouflage the damage that was already done. The broadcaster cannot be given credit for creating a conundrum for the appellant, and then placing the burden on him to rectify the situation in the guise of affording the right to reply."

"As such, the broadcaster has contravened clauses 28.3.1 and 28.3.2 of the code. The appellant showed to the members of the Tribunal that he is paying child maintenance and that there are court orders in this regard."

The BCCSA tribunal found that Moja Love and No Excuses: Pay Papgeld "failed to uphold and protect the interests of the children involved. Instead, the very same children the show sought to assist ended up being taunted by their peers after their names and identities were revealed on the show and their parents portrayed negatively".

"The premise of the episode was largely flawed and had very little to do with the protection of children. The best interest of the children in question was not observed," the BCCSA said in its judgment.

Broadcasting Complaints Commission bodyslams MultiChoice over contravening code and showing violent WWE SuperSport promo to toddlers.

MultiChoice got bodyslammed by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission for contravening the Broadcasting Code of Conduct with the BCCSA that has rapped the satellite pay-TV over the knuckles for showing an inappropriate wrestling promo for SuperSport that's inappropriate for children.

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) found that while watching a cricket match with his two children aged 3 and 7 on SuperSport, MultiChoice exposed the family to a WWE promo shown outside of the so-called "watershed period" and without any parental advisory indicators.

A viewer complained to the BCCSA that while watching cricket on SuperSport (DStv 202) that carries no age restriction, SuperSport suddenly did a WWE promo "which plays on another channel and has a higher age restriction".

"The content of the advert is violent and is inappropriate for children. My kids have now been exposed to this violent content and my 3 year old has started emulating what he sees on this advert. He is a boy, and naturally he is inclined to want to repeat this kind of behaviour. My problem is that SuperSport is playing age restricted content on a family channel, during a family program."

The viewer asked the BBCSA to "please take appropriate action against this channel as they are continually violating their own age restriction policy" after his kid emulated what he saw and said "Look, daddy, I'm doing double double E".

The BBCSA found that the promo was broadcast before the watershed with no advanced warning to enable parents to prevent their children from being exposed to it and said that "promos broadcast before the watershed during family time, should not contain violent scenes".

The BCCSA said it's not the first time that it received a complaint in this regard about wrestling programming.

MultiChoice and SuperSport were not fined but the BCCSA said "we consider it reasonable to reprimand the broadcaster and we caution the licensee to avoid broadcasting violent promotional material outside the watershed period".

Biased ANN7 on DStv slapped with highest fine of R80 000 by Broadcasting Complaints Commission for blatant political sabotage of ANC's Jackson Mthembu; 'one of the most serious contraventions,' BCCSA finds.

The controversial and biased "Guptanews" channel ANN7 (DStv 405) on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform has been slapped with the highest possible fine of R80 000 by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) for its shocking and slanderous coverage, and ordered to apologise to the ANC politician Jackson Mthembu.

The BCCSA slammed the now Mzwanele Manyi-owned ANN7 for blatant political sabotage after Jackson Mthembu, the chief whip of the ANC political party, lodged a complaint at ANN7 for staging a bogus "press conference" with 6 ANC members of parliament.

The sham "press conference" on 27 November 2017 where no questions were even asked, organised and attended by ANN7 only, was hatched between the 6 politicians and ANN7, with the BCCSA that found ANN7 guilty of blatantly intending "to sabotage the complainant's political career".

The shockingly trash ANN7 that MultiChoice is finally shutting down by the end of July didn't give Jackson Mthembu a chance to respond to the slanderous allegations made against him. The news report was repeated during the day and also during the next day, 28 November. The news report was also posted on YouTube by ANN7.

ANN7's Cecilia Russel, special projects editor, and ANN7 editor Abhinav Sahay told the BCCSA that "ANN7 regrets not affording the ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu a right of reply before airing the story of 6 ANC MPs opposing the parliamentary debate on State Capture".

Shockingly, ANN7 had the audacity to tell the BCCSA that "ANN7 was not lax in either urgency or intent to mitigate any possible harm which could have been caused to Jackson Mthembu's reputation immediately after the matter was brought to its notice on the morning of the 29th of November 2017. The station is of the view that the steps taken mitigated any possible harm caused".

Hilariously ANN7 told the BCCSA that "the fact that there were no other broadcasters or news media present at the news conference was not relevant". When the BCCSA asked ANN7 to produce the press invitation to the "press conference" ANN7 said it didn't have anything.

The BCCSA slammed ANN7, saying "it is unthinkable that the staff of ANN7 who produced, edited and broadcast this programme on their TV channel was ignorant of the right to reply and was not aware that their broadcast was in violation of this right and in contravention of the Code of Conduct".

"The fact that they repeated this pre-recorded programme the next day aggravates this contravention. The same can be said of the fact that they posted this programme on You Tube. It seems as if they were intent on causing maximum damage to the Complainant."

"It was only when the Complainant posted a comment on this broadcast on his Facebook and Twitter accounts on 29 November that the broadcasts were discontinued."

The BCCSA also slammed ANN7 for its sham "press conference" argument, finding that "by no stretch of the imagination could this then be regarded as a news conference. The corollary of this conclusion is that we are not dealing here with a bona fide press conference, but rather with a private meeting set up between the six MP’s and ANN7".

The BCCSA slammed ANN7 in its judgment, saying ANN7 clearly intended to defame Jackson Mthembu.

"Despite the Broadcaster’s denial that there was any intention to defame the complainant with the so-called news conference and the broadcasting thereof, we find, on a balance of probabilities, that the broadcaster and the six MP’s colluded in setting up a meeting and staging a press conference, the outcome of which was broadcast in the guise of a news broadcast."

"The purpose of this broadcast was clearly to defame the complainant and to jeopardise his political career. We can therefore not accept that ANN7's failure to grant a right to reply to the complainant was an oversight or a mere mistake. This was clearly all part of ANN7's intention to defame the complainant."

"In this instance we are dealing with a news programme in which not only pure news is broadcast, but where a long tirade is broadcast as part of a broadcast of a so-called news conference. In the tirade, quite a few minutes of broadcasting time is spent on defaming the complainant."

The BCCSA found that ANN7 deliberately misled DStv subscribers.

"ANN7 was broadcasting something out of context, thus misleading the viewing public. It was also not done in a fair manner because we have found that the so-called press conference was actually a meeting set up between the Broadcaster and the six MP’s and it was unfair to pretend that it was a bona fide press conference."

The BCCSA slammed ANN7 for committing "one of the most serious contraventions" of the Broadcasting Code.

"We agreed that this was one of the most serious contraventions that we have had to decide on. The fact that this pre-recorded news broadcast was repeated during the day of 27th November and the following day, aggravates this contravention."

"ANN7 was not forthcoming when dealing with the serious allegations against it. Although it admitted a contravention by not granting the complainant a right of reply, it persisted in its denial of a sham with the so-called press conference."

"The fact that the “press conference” and the broadcasting thereof was done in bad faith, are aggravating circumstances, justifying a maximum fine of R80 000."

"We have also decided that the contraventions of the Code warrant an order for the broadcasting of an apology to the complainant."

BREAKING. SABC1 fined R20 000 by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission for again broadcasting profane language in #FillUptheDome concert DVD that the SABC admits it failed to pre-check.

The SABC's SABC1 channel has been fined R20 000 by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) after yet again broadcasting bad language while children are watching, without prior warning, and before the so-called "watershed" time period.

After several prior complaints from viewers in similar cases, several prior warnings from the BCCSA, and after previously telling the BBCSA it will improve its screening and on-screen advisories, the SABC1 once again failed to upheld the Broadcasting Code when it broadcast Casper Nyovest's #FillUpTheDome concert on 18 November 2017 at 20:00, filled with profane language.

The SABC once again admitted that it erred and agreed "that the audience should have been warned about the contentof the broadcast in question". 

The SABC messed up in several ways. The SABC1's programme acceptance department didn't properly watch the DVD themselves beforehand to know the actual content, the scheduling department didn't slot it for 21:00 or later, and the control room and playout department didn't add any parental guidance advisories.

The SABC's excuse for the systemic lapse in the case at the BCCSA was that "Our producers were so passionate about showing the success of this young musician to an extent that some regulatory mandates were bypassed".

SABC1 once again told the BCCSA that it will tighten its internal controls according to when what kind of content can be broadcast, as well as age restriction and parental guidance advisories that must be shown by the South African public broadcaster.

"The SABC would like to assure the Commission that internal processes of disciplining the concerned staff members are underway. We sincerely apologise to the complainant for any inconvenience caused and we are doing that we can to make sure that we minimise these kinds of incidents in our platforms."

The SABC admitted that SABC1 didn't follow procedure with the #FillUpTheDome DVD. "The programme was delivered late and we were racing for time to prepare it for broadcast hence the language certification issue slipped through the cracks."

SABC1 begged for leniency from the BCCSA, despite prior similar transgressions like with the 16th Metro FM Music Awards in 2017, saying the SABC has "proven that we have learnt from past mistakes and continue to comply".

The BCCSA said that it's very bad that the SABC's SABC1 channel committed the same mistake barely 8 months after the previous very similar incident.

"The Tribunal finds it difficult to ignore that within the 8 months of the receipt of such an adverse adjudication, SABC1 broadcasted #FillUpTheDome outside the watershed period and still omitted to give the viewers cautionary warning as expected by the Broadcasting Code".

The BCCSA slammed SABC1 for its apparently lackadaisical approach to adhering to the Broadcasting Code of Conduct, saying "there is nothing in its presentation which evidences their awareness of their obligation as entrenched in the broadcasting code" to protect children, not to use grossly offensive language before the watershed period, and to properly warn viewers beforehand.

SABC1 was fined R20 000 and must pay it before 28 February 2018.

Do MultiChoice Call Centre staffers need sensitivity training? After a mom with a Down syndrome child complains about Tumi Morake's Down syndrome 'joke' on Comedy Central, MultiChoice asks her if she would have reacted the same way if she went to the recording of the show.

MultiChoice Call Centre staffers in Randburg are seriously in need of some urgent sensitivity training after a DStv helpline operator had the audacity to ask a mother with a Down syndrome child who called and complained about Tumi Morake's crass Comedy Central's (DStv 122) Down syndrome joke, if she would have laughed if she went to the recording of the show.

Meanwhile MultiChoice and Comedy Central continues to broadcast the Comedy Central Roast Battle with comedian Tumi Morake's degrading Down syndrome "joke". 

Several complaints have been lodged by parents with Down syndrome children at the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) against Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) Comedy Central and MultiChoice's DStv.

The BCCSA case will be heard in early 2018.

In Comedy Central's Comedy Central Roast Battle, Tumi Morake filth-slammed comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout, saying "You are two p- klaps away from Down syndrome, bitch".

Tumi Morake has apologised on social media in a Facebook posting, but angry and upset parents who are also DStv subscribers say that's not enough and have also called MultiChoice to complain.

When mother of as 12-year old Down syndrome child, Baatile Mofokeng from Atteridgeville called the MultiChoice Call Centre and complained about the Comedy Central episode, the MultiChoice Call Centre operator apparently asked her if she would have complained and reacted the same way if she went to the actual recording of the show.

Comedian Tumi Morake apologises for her degrading Down syndrome joke on Comedy Central, begs for forgiveness: 'I wasn't thinking'.

Comedian Tumi Morake is apologising for her degrading and insulting "joke" about Down syndrome during an episode of the Comedy Central Roast Battle series on Comedy Central (DStv 122) that has landed her and Viacom International Media Networks Africa in hot water.

Parents of Down syndrome children have laid complaints with the Broadcast Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and slammed Tumi Morake after her side-swipe to fellow comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout in a broadcast of Comedy Central Roast Battle on Comedy Central (DStv 122) when she said "You [Bezuidenhout] are two p- klaps away from Down syndrome, bitch".

Tumi Morake has now made a Facebook apology after a mom with a Down syndrome child confronted the comedian on social media and told Tumi on Instagram that she was "very, very disappointed" by the comedian's "hurtful" comments. "As a parent of a child with down syndrome this was hurtful and just unacceptable".

The BCCSA has also received written complaints and will be looking at the case in early 2018.

In her Facebook apology, Tumi Morake begs for forgiveness and says "A while ago we did the Roast Comedy Battle and in the height of insulting each other I used Down syndrome in a punchline".

"I apologise unreservedly for my comments. I do not condone in any way the discrimination against or the ignorance around people with DS."

"My niece also has Down syndrome. It was a comedy environment, I wasn't thinking, we were just going for the punch, I apologise unreservedly. It won't make it right but I hope you hear that I acknowledge the insensitivity of it."

"I hope you can forgive me. I have just watched the clip back and you have every right to be upset. Again, it really was not out to discriminate or hurt."

Tumi Morake said that she wasn't looking to be harmful or hurtful with her comments.

"I do not condone in any way the discrimination against or the ignorance around people with DS. I hope the parents of children with Down syndrome and people living with it find it in their hearts to forgive me."

"I was not out to harm and I own up to how hurtful, thoughtless, harmful and ignorant it was. I will do my best to make it right and it will be as public as the way the offence came".

Earlier in 2017 Phat Joe caused controversy at East Coast Radio when he said on his drive time afternoon show that he was "feeling Down syndrome-ish" - an offence that saw East Coast Radio fined R30 000 following complaints to the BCCSA.

In July 2014 the BCCSA fined the Afrikaans M-Net supplied channel kykNET (DStv 144) on MultiChoice's DStv platform R30 000 following public complaints that the satirical show Proesstraat was mocking Tourette's syndrome sufferers on television after kykNET was warned to stop using Tourette's syndrome for humour.

kykNET appealed the ruling that was overturned after kykNET's legal team argued that kykNET has the right to broadcast humour even if that comedy offends kykNET's audience.

Fake news channel ANN7 on DStv slammed by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission; ordered to apologise to Derek Hanekom.

Again caught broadcasting fake news, the ANN7 (DStv 405) channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform has been forced to apologise to Derek Hanekom following a complaint regarding false and damaging allegations made on ANN7 that was upheld by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).

ANN7 has been forced to apologise to South Africa's former minister of tourism, Derek Hanekom, who lodged a complaint after ANN7 broadcast false and defamatory statements about him during a panel discussion with Sindy Mabe on 11 August.

Bruce Mkhize, MultiChoice's regulatory compliance officer, Manti Seleka, MultiChoice's complaints and compliance officer, as well as Moegsien Williams, ANN7 consulting editor and Edwin Kagaswe, ANN7 asignment editor had to explain to the BCCSA why fake trash news was once again aired on ANN7.

It comes after Udo Froese falsely claimed that president Nelson Mandela in 1996 allegedly said that Derek Hanekom was an apartheid agent.

Derek Hanekom told the BCCSA that DStv "has contravened the BCCSA's Code of Conduct by allowing 'news' or comment to be broadcast on ANN7 that was untruthful and unfair".

Presenter Sindy Mabe did nothing to interject or take issue with Udo Froese's fake statements on ANN7.

MultiChoice and ANN7 told the BCCSA that it "unreservedly apologises to Derek Hanekom for the harm suffered and hereby unconditionally retract the comment by Udo Froese".

The apology and retraction was also ordered to be broadcast on ANN7 at the start of the 19:00 news bulletin on 29 and 30 September and in the bottom-third news scroll.

MultiChoice said it "also advised ANN 7 news anchors to, in future, intervene and probe further whenever a statement that is potentially harmful is stated as a fact by a studio guest".

Sexed-up Generations: The BCCSA orders the SABC to add an additional audience warning for SABC1 soap's 'ultra-suggestive sex scenes'.

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) has found that the public broadcaster's sexed-up soap Generations didn't breach the broadcasting code but ordered the SABC to add an additional warning for the "ultra-suggestive sex scenes" that SABC1 is broadcasting before the so-called "watershed period" when millions of children are still watching TV.

The BCCSA case and judgment came after the SABC and the viewer watchdog organisation were flooded by viewer complaints two weeks ago over a kinky sex story line and accompanied visuals ripped from "Shades of Grey".

Viewers complained that they're no longer able to watch the supposedly family entertainment weekday prime time soap opera from Morula Pictures over the "soft porn" content in a storyline in which a woman uses sex to take revenge and that's been deemed not suitable for children.

Viewers like Segomoco Morake said that Generations - The Legacy has "too much sex now" and that "either the producers change the script or we make a petition to remove it from our televisions because I can't afford to watch pornography with my children while I'm a loyal SABC TV licence payer".

Audrey Mathebula said "Generations - The Legacy is no longer suitable for viewing with the whole family. It's disgusting the way it's being shown, it should move to 10pm when the kids are fast asleep."

The complaints over the racy visuals placed new emphasis on the question of what the real role of the SABC as South Africa's public broadcaster is that has a mandate to foremost inform and educate, and then entertain.

The SABC, with TV ratings that keep falling, is battling to stay relevant while its TV audience keeps shrinking, as it tries to compete with commercial and pay-TV channels who can get away with more risque content according to their broadcasting licences.

The risque Generations - The Legacy scenes caused a flood of complaints with the BCCSA that received 160 complaints from viewers.

Interestingly the SABC broadcast the Generations - The Legacy episodes at 20:00 - an hour before the so-called "watershed" period kicks in at 21:00. It is only between 21:00 and 05:00 when the SABC is allowed to show somewhat more racier entertainment content with adequate on-screen warnings.

Following the complaints, the SABC did pull the Saturday omnibus at 09:00 in the morning, but the weekday repeats at 09:00 remained. Both these time periods also fall outside of the watershed period when a lot of children are watching public television.

The BCCSA in its judgment found that the SABC "has not breached any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct".

The BCCSA found that Generations - The Legacy didn't show explicit sex scenes but "do test the line between suggestive sex and explicit sex".

"The groaning kisses and/or systematic removal of clothing do also test the thin line between suggestive sex and explicit sex."

According to the BCCSA "The subsequent actions of the SABC do indicate that the SABC did concede that the audience complaints may have some validity".

"The SABC decided not to flight the offending episodes on its usual omnibus on Saturday 22 July 2017, and the episode of 14 July has since been completely removed from YouTube without explanation".

The BCCSA ordered that the SABC "must place an additional audience advisory whenever such ultra-suggestive sex scenes" are shown.

The BCCSA ordered the SABC to use the words: "Today's episode may contain some scenes which involve suggestive sex. Viewer discretion is advised."