Judge Denise Fisher probes Mpofu on SABC's role in disseminating information

JOHANNESBURG - Judge Denise Fisher has probed counsel for former president, Jacob Zuma on the role of the SABC in disseminating information.

The former president and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) are challenging the SABC’s use of the term ‘Government of National Unity' (GNU).

Advocate Dali Mpofu presented arguments before the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg and argued that the SABC cannot be an echo chamber for the government.

The MK Party wants the courts to declare the public broadcaster’s conduct invalid.

Should the SABC unilaterally decide what it calls organisations and entities if it is of the belief that the name does not embody the organisation?

This is the question Judge Denise Fisher asked Advocate Dali Mpofu who argued against the use of the term ‘Government of National Unity’ by the public broadcaster.

READ: SABC vs GNU: Mpofu says EFF, MK Party excluded from GNU before its formation

"But it can call somebody by its name, even if that name is an inaccurate name."

However, Mpofu disagrees. He submits that the SABC has a duty to provide factual information in its dissemination of news.

The senior counsel told the court that the public broadcaster must reflect the ongoing debate around the use of the term.

"The SABC is not allowed to give inaccurate information."

Mpofu submits that the SABC is misleading the millions of South Africans who rely on it as a primary source of information with the continued use of the term.