The following update (slightly edited) received from SOS, which will be of value to SAFED members.
As always there is an incredible amount happening. First, I need to update you on the 4th June TV industry marches. All the details are on the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) website and blogg - www.sasfed.org. Marches have been planned for Cape Town and Johannesburg. Also, there are attempts to get a march organised in Durban. The Johannesburg march will be starting from Atlas studios, Frost Ave, Braamfontein West at 10:30am. The details for the Cape Town march are still being finalised but I will certainly keep you updated on that. A memorandum of demands has been drafted. A copy of this can be accessed on the SASFED website. Please have a look at the memo and send your comments.
Second, I need to inform you all that the MJ Naidoo Trust, a family foundation, chaired by ex-Deputy Minister of Communications, Roy Padayachie is planning an event for the 16th of June looking at "A new vision for public broadcasting - what is to be done". SOS will be jointly hosting the event. The plan is to invite the Minister, Chair and members of the Communications Portfolio Committee, ICASA and Sentech representatives, industry stakeholders, civil society representatives etc. One of the major purposes of this event is to get endorsement from the Minister and key stakeholders on the policy review process and new legislation for the SABC. The Minister, as far as I am aware, has not commented yet on the SABC. It will be good to finally get his input.
Third, as I am sure you are all aware the SABC again refused to screen the controversial special assignment programme on satire. If you have any comments on this do send them.
Fourth and finally, the salary negotiations at the SABC between unions and management are still in progress. There is a meeting happening today.Will keep you updated on that. In our working group meeting Bemawu reported that unions were refusing management's offer to stagger their increase. They wanted to receive their 12% increase in total by the end of June.
Warm regards
Kate
