I am deeply disturbed by the situation at the SABC. I also wonder whether the disorder at the corporation is a sign of an emerging syndrome that will cripple many public institutions.

I am deeply disturbed by the situation at the SABC. I also wonder whether the disorder at the corporation is a sign of an emerging syndrome that will cripple many public institutions.

It is unfortunate that in its quest to retain and consolidate political dominance, the ruling party seems bent on undermining democracy by manipulating and controlling important institutions such as the SABC and IEC.

The SABC is supposed to be a public broadcaster whose mandate is to inform, educate and entertain for the general good.

It is unfortunate that it has now become a mirror of the ruling party, reflecting that party's leadership conflict.

We are afraid that another institution, the Independent Electoral Commission, is likely to fall victim to such control antics .

Like the SABC, the IEC finds itself in the powerful grip of the ruling party.

Its operational programmes and its use of Sadtu members as presiding officers indicate bias. Sadtu is an affiliate of one of the ruling alliance partners.

There is a possibility of the IEC losing respect in the eyes of many people. We doubt its level of independence.

Given electoral crises in Kenya and Zimbabwe, we hope the IEC will not take the SABC route.

We want a situation in which the IEC entrenches democracy through fair processes and nonsectarian conduct in elections.

Dan Habedi,

Azapo national spokesman