S. Africa's ruling party denies censorship allegations

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Friday denied allegations that it would censor news related to its 105th anniversary.

The ANC notes information being disseminated on social media platforms regarding arrangements for the broadcast of its 105th birthday celebrations to be held on Jan. 8, the party said in a statement emailed to Xinhua.

TV channel eNCA claimed on social media that the ANC is trying to control how the celebrations will be broadcast.

The broadcaster said it is only allowed to transmit President Jacob Zuma's speech through a feed controlled by the ANC, and that the party is trying to control how and when it films members of the crowd during that speech.

"It is regrettable that the incorrect information being circulated on social media has served to create confusion and impute sinister motive to the organization," the ANC said.

Broadcasters have been informed that the ANC will provide a live feed from the celebrations, available for all media to use at no cost.

ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa defended it as a common practice for convening of large events around the world, including sports, political and other events.

The provision of a central feed makes it easier for broadcasters to obtain a diversity of footage of the event, Kodwa said.

All accredited broadcasters are allowed one camera on the pitch, which is also standard and common practice at the hosting of large events of this magnitude, he said.

It is also incorrect that broadcasters will not be permitted to conduct interviews with the audience as so-called "vox pops" as this has been agreed to in a technical meeting held on Friday, he said.

Furthermore, feeds from pitch cameras will not be "monitored" as some have claimed on social media, Kodwa said. Enditem