Fani-Kayode refuses interview invitation after livestream ‘exclusion’ — SABC

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Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, declined an SABC interview after his speech was excluded from a diplomatic ceremony livestre Read More:…

South Africa’s broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation, has said Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the country, Femi Fani-Kayode, declined an interview invitation following his protest over the exclusion of his speech from a livestream of a diplomatic ceremony hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The SABC, in a statement issued on Sunday, said it regretted the envoy’s decision but remained open to engaging with him and the Nigerian High Commission.

The response followed Fani-Kayode’s complaint that his introduction and speech were omitted from the broadcaster’s livestream of the presentation of letters of credence ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Friday.

“We regret that the High Commissioner declined an interview with SABC News, reportedly because of his dissatisfaction with the livestream of the ceremony. We respect his decision and remain open to engaging with him and the Nigerian High Commission,” the statement said.

Notably, the SABC did not address the specific allegation that Fani-Kayode’s presentation was excluded from the livestream of the ceremony.

The broadcaster, however, rejected the description of it as a state broadcaster, insisting that it was a public service media organisation committed to independent, impartial and credible journalism.

“Two points need clarifying. First, the SABC is a public service media, not a state broadcaster. Our mandate is to serve the public interest through independent, impartial and credible journalism. The Presidency’s livestream arrangements and SABC News’ editorial coverage are separate matters.

“Secondly, SABC News did cover the ceremony. It was carried on the SABC News LIVE channel on SABC+, and the High Commissioner’s arrival was shown during a live crossing on the SABC News Channel (DStv Channel 404). We also published a clip on our official X account of the High Commissioner speaking to President Cyril Ramaphosa,” it said.

“The SABC remains committed to upholding…

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