Johannesburg, South Africa – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has reportedly cancelled its widely-followed political talk show, Face the Nation, a move that has ignited debate and raised serious questions about political interference within the public broadcaster. The show’s host, Clement Manyathela, confirmed that his prime-time programme would not be renewed once its current contract concludes at the end of the month.
Face the Nation, an hour-long show, aired on the SABC News channel on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm. Despite the cash-strapped broadcaster’s urgent need for viewers, and earlier considerations to expand its weekly slots, the decision to axe the show has been made.
Manyathela, also a popular radio presenter on 702, revealed that he was informed of the cancellation during a meeting with SABC management last month. The official justification provided was that the SABC could no longer afford to produce the show.
However, multiple sources have cast doubt on this explanation, suggesting that the decision stems from complaints by prominent African National Congress (ANC) and government officials. These officials are alleged to have accused Manyathela of being unduly harsh in his questioning of the ANC and the Presidency.
Insiders claim that both the Presidency and Luthuli House (the ANC headquarters) had expressed dissatisfaction with Face the Nation for some time. The final catalyst, it appears, was an interview Manyathela conducted with Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya in January. During this interview, Manyathela pressed Magwenya on why President Cyril Ramaphosa had not made the Madlanga commission interim report public and why Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had only been suspended, rather than dismissed.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, is reportedly at the forefront of the opposition to Manyathela, although she has denied these allegations. Magwenya, for his part, expressed his "deep disturbance" at being drawn into the controversy, stating unequivocally that he had no issues with Manyathela’s interviewing style.
"The interview was robust, as always and as expected, but it was never harsh. I have done many interviews with Clement, he is always robust, but he is never harsh or unfair, at least in my experience," Magwenya affirmed. He further clarified, "I don’t go onto radio or television shows expecting to be treated with kid gloves. I did not complain about my experience on Face the Nation with Clement, nor did I raise any discomfort with anyone in government or at the SABC about the interview on that day."
This is not the first instance of political figures criticising the SABC’s editorial stance. Following the 2021 local government elections, Fikile Mbalula, then the ANC’s head of elections, accused the public broadcaster of acting as the "mouthpiece of the opposition" and unfairly targeting the ANC through biased reporting – an accusation the SABC rejected.
Several sources within the SABC conveyed their astonishment at the cancellation announcement, highlighting the show’s strong performance and its status as a flagship programme that attracted "thousands" of viewers. Some sources even indicated that the broadcaster had, at one point, considered increasing staff for the show or doubling its weekly slots to four. A producer at the SABC pointed out that the show’s production costs could not be prohibitively expensive, given that only three individuals, in addition to Manyathela, worked on it.
Deidre “Dee” Uren, the newly appointed head of news, is believed to have been under considerable pressure, particularly from the Presidency, which ultimately led to her decision not to renew the show. A source stated, "She said that the Presidency is complaining about that interview [with Magwenya]." The source added, "Dee, then, is the one who went to say, ‘We are not going to renew Clement because of that.’ Normally the people who make decisions on presenters are executive producers, not even the head of TV, but on this one of Clement it is her [Uren] who said, ‘This one is not going to be renewed.’"
Another senior manager at the SABC, an insider, corroborated these claims, noting that complaints escalated significantly after Manyathela’s interview with Magwenya. "What I heard around mid-February was that it had to do with how he treated Vincent," the insider revealed. "I heard Clement’s show was being terminated and that it was being presented as if there was no money. But the issue is an interview that was done with Vincent … that was like a breaking point." The insider concluded, "It’s being presented as if it’s a money issue, but that is not the case. It has to do with the Presidency. Remember, Khumbudzo is in the Presidency."
Uren did not respond to inquiries regarding the matter. However, SABC spokesperson Mmoni Ngubane maintained that there was no hidden agenda behind the decision. "As with all broadcasters, the SABC periodically reviews and adjusts its programming," Ngubane explained. "This is an industry and market standard practice that typically occurs annually. These changes are informed by the SABC’s content delivery strategy and a range of performance indicators, including audience ratings and revenue performance." She further elaborated, "As a result, programmes are not automatically recommissioned but instead undergo a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and audience needs."
The SABC had not provided further details concerning the show’s performance at the time of publication.
Ntshavheni, along with other senior ANC figures, including secretary-general Mbalula and his deputy Nomvula Mokonyane, are reportedly among those who hold an unfavourable view of Manyathela. These individuals have consistently declined invitations to be interviewed on Face the Nation.
Government spokesperson William Baloyi, speaking on behalf of Ntshavheni, asserted that neither she, President Ramaphosa, nor Deputy President Paul Mashatile had ever appeared as guests on Face the Nation or any SABC programme hosted by Manyathela. "Therefore minister Ntshavheni would not have any view about the show. Only the SABC can explain its editorial and programming decisions. At best, the department of communications & digital technologies should be best to explain," Baloyi stated. He further questioned, "In light of attempts to scapegoat a government minister [Ntshavheni] for a contract non-renewal, what are the viewership numbers of the show and the cost of the show?"
Sources close to Minister Ntshavheni suggested that Manyathela was aware of the show’s impending cancellation as early as January, prior to his interview with Magwenya. However, Manyathela himself stated that he only learned of the axing last month. When asked if he accepted the official reason of financial constraints, he responded that he had "noted" it.
Manyathela did not rule out the possibility of political pressure influencing the decision. "I wouldn’t be surprised. If the show is being cancelled for the reasons you are insinuating, then it wouldn’t be a surprise because in the past there has been pressure from some politicians who didn’t like how I held them accountable," he remarked. He described his relationship with Ntshavheni as professional, adding, "I respect her as a minister. My producers are always inviting her to the show, but she always tells them she doesn’t speak to me. That’s not a secret. She hasn’t agreed to be on my show since my interview with the president in 2024."
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