TV sex, violence influencing kids: MEC
|Published
THE SHOWS on local TV prime-time programmes are partially responsible for the misbehaviour of pupils around the country.
This was the assertion of Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi on Wednesday.
“If it is not kisses, it’s guns, and nowadays it’s witchcraft. And honestly speaking, this really worries me big time because when you go to developed countries, during prime time, pupils are told important things about life,” he said.
Lesufi’s complaint comes at a time when prime-time programmes, especially soapies such as Generations: The Legacy, Isibaya, Muvhango, Ashes to Ashes and Mfolozi Street were following storylines that include violence and/or witchcraft.
The shows are broadcast on SABC channels, e.tv and on Mzansi Magic.
“We have a battle of ratings of which episode has the nicest kiss or of somebody looking sexy,” Lesufi added.
Lesufi isn’t the only one who believes this. In December, the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) found e.tv soapie Rhythm Cityguilty of violating the broadcasting code.
The commission had received a complaint from Liana Botha about an episode aired in October, which read: “I was upset and appalled by several violent scenes in tonight’s broadcast of Rhythm City on e.tv. A female character is strangled and then verbally threatened and abused… It concerns me that these scenes were included. I feel that these scenes in particular, but also this story in general, promotes violence against women.”
The episode carried a PG/13 rating.
In its ruling, the BCCSA cited a clause in its code.
“The code states that broadcasting service licensees must not broadcast material which is harmful or disturbing to children at times when a large number of children are likely to be part of the audience. The audience advisory of PG13 was insufficient for the episode.”
The SABC has also recently received flak for its witchcraft and zombie storylines in Generations: The Legacy and Muvhango. Last month, the Traditional Healers Organisation complained that both above-mentioned soapies “have showcased African spirituality in a derogatory manner”.
Responding to the allegations, Muvhango publicist Amanda Ngudle told the Sowetan at the time: “We acknowledge the concerns expressed by the organisation, but there are procedures to follow in expressing such complaints.
“The one body the public is always advised to approach first is the BCCSA.”
Lesufi is planning to meet with broadcasters to table the issues he mentioned.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
lerato.mbangeni@inl.co.za
The Star