The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and the Helen Suzman Foundation were locked in talks on Wednesday morning to resolve a minor dispute in the application by the foundation that was due to be heard by the High Court in Pretoria.

The foundation had launched an urgent application earlier this month seeking urgent relief interdicting the implementation of the SABC’s policy and practice not to cover violent and other protests.

The foundation also sought relief preventing the SABC from adopting or implementing any censorship policy which would be contrary to the mandate of the public broadcaster.

When the matter was heard on Wednesday morning‚ counsel for the SABC‚ Bantubonke Tokota SC‚ informed Judge John Murphy that the public broadcaster would abide by the interdict sought by the foundation‚ provided it maintained the editorial independence of the SABC.

Murphy suggested that the parties negotiate an order that would be satisfactory for both parties.

In its response to the foundation’s application last Thursday‚ the SABC indicated that it did not oppose the granting of the orders sought by the foundation.

However‚ the SABC said it had a problem with an order which sought to stop it from adopting a policy that would result in partial coverage of any violent protests or demonstration “which includes damage to public institutions and/or public or private property”. — TMG Digital