The dispute between the EFF and eNCA has intensified after accusations of censorship following JJ Tabane’s critical commentary on the Government of National Unity. The ongoing feud highlights tensions between the political party and the news broadcaster, raising questions about media bias and freedom of expression.
The ongoing feud between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and news broadcaster eNCA has reached new heights following accusations of censorship against radio and television host JJ Tabane. In a scathing statement released on Tuesday, the EFF labeled eNCA as a “white supremacist propaganda house,” reigniting a conflict that has simmered since 2019.
The dispute dates back to eNCA’s decision to cease covering the EFF’s 2019 elective conference, a move that followed the party’s ban on certain media outlets. This decision was met with a mix of criticism and support, reflecting the complex relationship between the media and political entities in South Africa.
The situation escalated in June 2021 when a video circulated on social media, showing EFF members threatening eNCA journalists during a protest in Tokai, Cape Town. The tensions further intensified when eNCA announced that Tabane’s show “Power to Truth” would not air this week, sparking widespread speculation about his future with the network.
Tabane’s recent criticism of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been particularly provocative. In his last episode, he argued that the DA’s involvement in the GNU was problematic due to ideological differences and accused the party of having an anti-black stance. “Black parties could not sit together and agree that it has been 30 years, we do not have the land. We do not have the economy. We do not have anything next to our names,” Tabane stated, highlighting the deep-rooted issues facing black South Africans.
The EFF condemned eNCA’s decision to pull Tabane’s show, attributing it to his controversial commentary on the GNU. They accused the broadcaster of consistently silencing black voices that challenge the status quo. “eNCA, a known propaganda machine for white supremacy, has once again revealed its true colours by silencing a black professional who refuses to toe the line of ‘yes baas’,” the EFF asserted.
The EFF’s statement also pointed to a broader pattern of marginalizing dissenting voices, citing the 2019 incident as an example of eNCA’s alleged bias. “Their refusal to objectively cover the EFF is a testament to white supremacist propaganda machinery disguised as a media house,” the party claimed, linking current media practices to apartheid-era tactics aimed at undermining black politics.
In response to the controversy, Tabane denied the speculation about his show’s cancellation, clarifying that he was merely on leave. “I am on leave. Please stop the lies. ‘Power to Truth’ will resume next month. This is so fake,” he stated on social media. Despite his assurances, many of his followers remain skeptical, questioning the timing of his leave amidst the heated GNU negotiations.
This public spat between the EFF and eNCA underscores the fraught relationship between the media and political organizations in South Africa. It raises critical questions about media freedom, bias, and the role of journalists in a democratic society. As this situation unfolds, it will be crucial to watch how both parties navigate the delicate balance between freedom of expression and responsible journalism.
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