SABC weakly distances itself from homophobic presenter

The SABC has issued an unconvincing statement distancing itself from sports presenter Coudjoe Amankwaa’s homophobic comments.

Amankwaa tweeted on Sunday that homosexuality is “a problem” and an “abnormality”, amidst other anti-gay comments.

On Monday, SABC Sport used Twitter to address the furore in response to his comments on social media.

It stated: “@SPORTATSABC is distancing itself from any remarks made by Coudjoe Amankwaa on Twitter and those remarks were not uttered on SABC platforms.”

The tweet failed to actually condemn Amankwaa’s homophobic views and appeared to suggest that no action would be taken against him because he shared them on his personal Twitter page.

Doug ‏(@the_pink_zebra) responded: “Yet the bigot continues to work for you? You raise his profile and he uses the platform for divisive commentary.”

A number of people also accused the national broadcaster of hypocrisy, noting that in January it had dropped Pastor Sthembiso Zondo from Ukhozi FM following the release of a video in which he is seen naked.

Peabss (‏@Peabss) tweeted: “@SPORTATSABC Strange response since Pastor Zondo also didn’t release his sextape on an SABC platform. Inconsistence policies!”

Tshidiso Moleko (‏@ChillingboySA) added: “@sportatsabc @SABCnewsOnline @official_SABC1 did pastor Zondo’s sextape take place on any SABC platform? why lenient on Amankwaa.”

Mambaonline has yet to receive a response from SABC Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago to our request for a statement from the corporation on the matter.

Meanwhile, as he’s done with others who’ve questioned his anti-gay comments, Amankwaa has now blocked Mambaonline from being able to view his Twitter page.

Update: 9 April 2015 – The SABC and Coudjoe Amankwaa have issued a statement apologising for the remarks and claiming that the tweets were posted by someone else without his permission. Read more here.