SABC 3’s talk show Real Talk With Anele has came under fire after a Daily Maverick article emerged that the public broadcaster received a R500 000 payment for controversial Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini to appear on the show.
The publication stated that the two-hour profile interview of the minister, which aired in December was part of a strategic PR plan for the minister, who made headlines last year.
The SABC and the minister’s office have since confirmed that the payment took place.
“The Department of Social Development (DSD) through GCIS buys space [in] the media for the sole purpose of marketing and advertising of the Minister of Social Development, the Department and its agencies. To date, through GCIS the Department has transferred more than R5 million to the SABC for this purpose.” – the article stated.
Lumka Oliphant, Minister Dlamini’s spokesperson, further pointed out that “to date, through GCIS the Department has transferred more than R5 million to the SABC for this purpose.
“The SABC would give us space across all its platforms on radio, TV and online media. They give us a schedule to agree and be available for. The SABC is a strategic partner for communication because it has the reach, the platforms and the languages. They have a dedicated sales team to get business from Government Departments. A standard practice in the media industry.”
The talk show host Anele came out to set the record straight that she personally did not receive any money. She took to Twitter saying she did not receive any money.
“They can have it out. As long as they don’t insinuate that I took the money. My word. My poor name! Literally poor if I would be willing to throw it away for R500 000. Okay as long as that’s cleared up. I am good now,” she said.
Source: Daly Maverick