SABC1 cans mini-series about gay issues

 
12 Apr 2007- It's a slippery slope, folks, once the national broadcaster starts censoring controversial or sensitive cultural content. It's a mighty slippery slope.

Following two weeks of panel discussions about the controversial mini-series 'uMthunzi we Ntaba', the SABC has "rescheduled" the programme, which our mole at SABC1 tells us is a sure sign that it won't be coming back.

A new mini-series which was scheduled to start in its place - entitled 'After Nine' - has also been "rescheduled", and has been summarily replaced by a rebroadcast of the three-part mini-series 'Crossing The Line'.

The four-part 'After Nine' - which was supposed to premiere tonight (Thursday 12 April) - delves inside the secret underworld of a black gay man and his inner struggles and hopes to find a way to deal with the torment of revealing his true sexuality to his wife and family.

The mini-series is said to be the first in South Africa to touch on this sensitive and controversial subject of gay men in the closet and playing dual roles.

We contacted our mole at SABC1 to find out why 'After Nine' had been pul- ... sorry, rescheduled ... and it was implied that the content was too controversial, especially following the recent 'uMthunzi' furore. A nice, safe option was required.

This is dangerous territory. The ridiculous, cowardly decision to can 'uMthunzi' has set a precedent, and it seems the SABC can't wait to make full use of that precedent.

So now we can't learn more about Xhosa custom, nor can we hear the stories of black married men coping with their homosexuality, and the stigma our society places on such people.

What's next? You smell that? It's the stench of politically correct censorship.

For the record: we think it's disgusting. Shame on you, SABC1. We suffered censorship under apartheid - this is supposed to be a free country now.

To those who would complain about sensitive broadcast issues, please, do us a favour: simply turn your damn television off if you don't like what's on it, and let the rest of us make up our own minds about what we choose to watch. We are all adults after all. Supposedly.

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