SABC News’ Biased Trump Coverage: A Reflection of ANC’s Leftist Agenda?

The coverage of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, framed as the beginning of a “new era of upheaval,” by SABC News has sparked outrage among South African viewers. Many critics argue that the national broadcaster’s portrayal is not just biased but openly hostile. The tone of the report, which borders on derogatory, suggests an underlying political agenda aimed at tarnishing Trump’s reputation. With growing backlash on platforms like X.com (formerly Twitter), it’s clear that the SABC’s bias has not gone unnoticed.
The SABC News article, “Trump Returns to White House, Launching New Era of Upheaval,” is rife with negative framing, labelling the former president’s actions as inherently divisive. This portrayal contrasts starkly with the optimism some Americans feel about his leadership. The use of terms like “turbulent” and “retribution” seem designed to evoke fear and instability, painting Trump’s actions as extreme rather than lawful.
Across X.com, South Africans have voiced their frustration, calling out the SABC for its lack of impartiality. The comments highlight an overwhelming dissatisfaction with the SABC’s biased coverage, which critics argue is rooted in the broadcaster’s association with the African National Congress (ANC). Many respondents feel the SABC’s coverage aligns more with the ANC’s narrative than with fair and balanced journalism.
Examples from X.com illustrate the anger and disillusionment of the South African public:
- “Another biased opinion from the ANC mafia who have their noses up the arse of 🇷🇺🇮🇷🇵🇸🇨🇺 #VoetsekANC” This comment accuses the SABC of parroting the ANC’s political alliances rather than providing objective news.
- “Liars. This is the news now! (accompanying image, a tombstone reads: Mainstream Media 1900s to 2024 ‘LIED AND CHEATED TO THE END’)” A stark condemnation of the SABC’s credibility, which many feel has been compromised.
- “Imagine being the ANC’s official media mouthpiece and yet having the nerve to comment on other countries without wiping your nose first…” This reflects the perception that the SABC’s foreign coverage is heavily influenced by the ANC’s political stance.
- “Stop pushing crap. If that is turbulent, then please bring it to South Africa and the rest of the world. The SABC is a mouthpiece for the ANC. That’s why you are also bankrupt. Morally and financially.” A critical commentary on the SABC’s alleged partisanship, linking it to broader financial and moral shortcomings.
- “So, pretty much like your ANC then, but this time with no stealing, looting and the idea of reducing rather than increasing crime rates? Enjoy…” Here, the SABC’s narrative is compared to the ANC’s governance, which many believe has been mired in corruption.
- “Turbulent? Pushing the limits of executive power? Oh you mean enforcing the laws. Going against political enemies? You just exposed yourself by using the word retribution- that means he has reason for doing it. Let’s not forget who dragged him through the courts for years in order to label him a felon.” This comment suggests that the SABC’s characterization of Trump as authoritarian ignores the context of his political persecution.
- “Very biased opinion you got there. How about reporting on probable lowering of fuel prices, slashing taxes. Lowering electricity cost. Increasing oil production. Looking after the actual people living there etc.” Viewers are frustrated with the SABC’s focus on negativity, arguing that positive developments under Trump should also be reported.
- “SABC, you are an absolute DISGRACE to true journalism… The quicker the SABC goes fully bankrupt, the better it will be for all South Africans… cos all you do is spout your leftist propaganda BS!!! South Africa could only wish to have a president as brilliant as DJT!!!” A harsh critique of the SABC’s perceived left-wing bias, with the commenter expressing envy for Trump’s leadership.
- “Immigrants? You forgot the word ILLEGAL that’s meant to go in front of that. He said ‘Illegal Immigrants’. Do better SABC.” The omission of the word “illegal” in front of “immigrants” is another point of contention for viewers, accusing the SABC of misleading reporting.
- “Seeing communist propaganda agents squirm might not be actual news, but it sure is such a joy and blessing to witness 🤪✌️🙏” A sarcastic remark directed at the SABC, accusing them of pushing communist ideals.
- “Turbulent? He has to first undo the mess of the Democrats, eg. Trans (men) in women’s sport. He has to stop the wars that the Democrats pushed. He has to open investigations on cover-ups etc by the Democrats. He has to send back millions of illegal foreigners. He is going to be busy for a while fixing the Democrat’s mess.” Here, Trump’s actions are justified as a necessary correction of past wrongdoings by the previous administration.
- “Dear SABCNews may I kindly refer you to section 9 of the BCCSA’s code of conduct… I expect you to retract this, so I don’t have to get all nasty and report you to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission?” A formal complaint citing journalistic standards, urging the SABC to correct its biased reporting.
- “Most South Africans are green with envy. Imagine a President with guts to pull the plug on UNWRA, illegal immigrants, WHO, climate accord in Paris, US financial aid to countries that don’t support your country, woke garbage on gender etc…” This comment praises Trump’s policies, contrasting them with the perceived failures of South African leadership.
- “The ANC created 30 years of turbulence. Did the SABC miss that information? My apologies, SABC AKA voice of the ANC = turbulence.” Another comment pointing to the SABC’s refusal to acknowledge the turmoil caused by ANC governance.
- “Guess who violated section 9 of the BCCSA’s code of conduct… You’re going to need to retract & publish a public apology.” A call for accountability regarding the SABC’s biased reporting.
- “You left out the word ‘illegal’ in front of the word immigrants. They will rightfully be deporting ILLEGAL immigrants – precisely what we should be doing here. Please stop misleading the public with half-truths and conveniently left-out facts.” A critique of the SABC’s manipulation of facts, particularly regarding Trump’s stance on immigration.
Dear @SABCNews may I kindly refer you to section 9 of the BCCSA’s code of conduct…
I expect you to retract this, so I don’t have to get all nasty and report you the the Broadcasting complaints Commission?
Let me know how you want to proceed!
And I quote…
9. News
9.1.… https://t.co/K2NnizhRR3
— Douglas Wayne (@Bound2Liberty) January 20, 2025
The backlash against SABC News’ reporting on Donald Trump’s return to the White House illustrates a growing frustration with mainstream media outlets in South Africa. The public’s anger, reflected in comments on X.com, suggests that many see the SABC’s coverage as not only biased but overtly partisan. The accusations of journalistic misconduct, including distortion and omission of key facts, raise important questions about the integrity of the SABC’s reporting. The broadcaster’s relationship with the ANC appears to influence its coverage, leading to a situation where many South Africans are questioning the credibility of their national news outlet.
Follow the conversation on x.com
Donald Trump will be sworn in as United States president on Monday, ushering in another turbulent four-year term with promises to push the limits of executive power, deport millions of immigrants, secure retribution against his political enemies and transform the role of the US…
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 20, 2025