The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has dismissed claims by Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, that he and the Nigerian delegation were deliberately excluded from the livestream of a diplomatic ceremony.
The broadcaster said it covered the Letters of Credence Ceremony held on Friday at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria, involving Mr Fani-Kayode and representatives of 14 other countries.
The clarification followed Mr Fani-Kayode’s rejection of an interview request from the SABC, after accusing the South African presidency of refusing to broadcast the introduction of the Nigerian delegation and his speech.
He had also alleged that Nigeria was the only country among the 15 represented at the ceremony whose introduction and speech were excluded from the livestream, adding that the broadcast resumed only after his address had ended.
However, the SABC explained that its broadcast arrangements were separate from those of the South African presidency. It said the ceremony was aired on the SABC News LIVE Channel on SABC+, while Mr Fani-Kayode’s arrival was covered during a live broadcast on SABC News DStv Channel 404.
In a statement on Sunday, the broadcaster expressed regret over the High Commissioner’s decision to decline its interview request, reportedly because of his dissatisfaction with the livestream coverage.
It added that it respected his decision and remained willing to engage with him and the Nigerian High Commission.
The SABC further clarified that it operates as a public service broadcaster rather than a state broadcaster, noting that its mandate is to serve the public interest through independent, impartial and credible journalism.
It also disclosed that it had shared a video clip of Mr Fani-Kayode speaking with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on its official X account.
The broadcaster reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, impartiality and editorial independence, while expressing its appreciation for its longstanding relationship with Nigeria.
