Fani-Kayode Rejects SABC Invitation After Livestream Row

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, declined an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) after protesting that the broadcaster omitted his speech from a livestream of a diplomatic ceremony, the broadcaster said on Sunday.

The SABC said the envoy turned down the interview because he was dissatisfied with its coverage of Friday’s presentation of Letters of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.

“We regret that the High Commissioner declined an interview with SABC News, reportedly because of his dissatisfaction with the livestream of the ceremony,” the broadcaster said in a statement.

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“We respect his decision and remain open to engaging with him and the Nigerian High Commission.”

Fani-Kayode had accused the South African Presidency of deliberately excluding Nigeria’s delegation from the livestream, saying the introductions and speeches of 14 other ambassadors were broadcast while his address was omitted.

The SABC did not directly address the allegation but said its news division had covered the event on its SABC+ streaming platform and television channel.

It said Fani-Kayode’s arrival was shown during a live report and that it had also published a clip of him speaking with Ramaphosa on its official X account.

South Africa releases Fani-Kayode's speech after protest (News Central TV) — South Africa releases Fani-Kayode’s speech after protest.
Credit: Femi Fani-Kayode/X

The broadcaster rejected being described as a state broadcaster, saying it was a public service media organisation committed to independent and impartial journalism.

“The Presidency’s livestream arrangements and SABC News’ editorial coverage are separate matters,” it said.

The South African Presidency later released the full recording of the ceremony, including Fani-Kayode’s speech, on its YouTube channel.

The dispute prompted an exchange between the Nigerian High Commission and Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesman.

Magwenya said the president had not interfered in the broadcaster’s editorial decisions but had directed Fani-Kayode to the appropriate SABC official to address his complaint.

The Nigerian High Commission maintained that the envoy and Nigeria had been treated with contempt and that Ramaphosa had intervened.

The disagreement comes amid tensions over the treatment of Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa. Reports of attacks on foreign nationals have repeatedly strained relations between the two countries.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.