Wilson Johwa
26 February 2008
Johannesburg — THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) hopes a public debate will resolve the complaint that followed Friday's exclusion of white journalists from a meeting organised by the blacks-only Forum of Black Journalists (FBJ).
FBJ steering committee chairman Abbey Makoe and the complainant, Katy Katopodis of Talk Radio 702, will meet next Wednesday for a seminar, arranged to "debate" the expulsion of white journalists from a function addressed by African National Congress president Jacob Zuma.
"We are hoping it will give a platform on how to proceed with this complaint," commission spokesman Vincent Moaga said.
Radio 702 political reporter Ste phen Grootes was barred from covering the function, along with Fiona Forde of Independent Newspapers and e.tv's Ben Said.
Yesterday, another complaint of discrimination was laid by Yusuf Abramjee, head of news and talk programming at Primedia Broadcasting - owners of Radio 702 - and a colleague, Kieno Kammies, who is a talk-show host on 702. The two walked out of Friday's function in solidarity with white colleagues.
Makoe and Katopodis confirmed their participation in the seminar, to be attended by the SAHRC's commissioners. Invitations were also sent to the South African National Editors' Forum , and the Black Lawyers' Association, among others. "We believe it expands beyond the complainants, and that is why we decided to deal with it in this manner," said Moaga .
Meanwhile, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) rejected comparisons between itself and the FBJ , made by Makoe in justifying the exclusion of white journalists.
Brushing aside concerns a bout its racial exclusivity, the FBJ wondered why no questions were asked about membership of Jewish organisations. SAJBD national chairman Zev Krengel said the impression given was that membership of the SAJBD was defined by race.
"Within Judaism, there is a multiplicity of races and ethnicities, including many converts ," said Krengel .
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