Times Of Swaziland: HEALING BAN AT EBIS, ESWATINI TV

HEALING BAN AT EBIS, ESWATINI TV
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BY MFANUKHONA NKAMBULE on 02/08/2020 00:30:00


mfanukhona@times.co.sz
MBABANE – Does the Broadcasting Code draft seek to ban the electronic media
from airing programmes on church healing?
The newly-developed code states in Article 4.1.17 that claims pertaining to
matters of health, cures, curing and/or healing are not permitted.
In most cases, pastors are the ones who preach about healing and miracles, which
they say are performed by Jesus Christ through them.
Eswatini has four main electronic media houses – Eswatini Broadcasting and
Information Services (EBIS), Eswatini TV, Voice of the Church and Channel
YemaSwati.
Bishop Steven Masilela, the President of the Eswatini Conference of Churches,
expressed disapproval of this clause, pointing out that the church, as a key
stakeholder, would engage the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) over
the matter.
He said the Conference would have embraced the Code if it sought to address the
claims of false healing, which they were also against, but restricting the
church from talking about healing would be totally wrong.
Masilela said there were extremists in Christendom who picked one factor of the
gospel and abused it.
Jesus’ christ healing
He mentioned that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a package, as it involves
healing, adding that its founder made it clear that he had come so that people
could have life in abundance.
“Jesus healed thousands of people in His ministry and apostles followed suit.
Therefore, it would be wrong of the Commission to introduce a clause that will
prohibit the church from making healing claims, particularly when these claims
are found to be genuine and true,” he said.
Other interest groups were deliberately not contacted because ESCCOM has stated
that a copy of the proposed decision document is available on its website at
www.sccom.org.sz and at the Commission’s offices at North Wing 4th Floor,
Sibekelo Building, Mhlambanyatsi Road, Mbabane.
The provisions of Section 32 of the ESCCOM Act, 2013, allow for stakeholders and
interested persons to make comments on proposed decisions of the Commission.
The public is hereby invited to submit their written representations on the
proposed decision to publish the Eswatini Communications Broadcasting Code
herewith by the Commission.
It is said that written representations with regard to the proposed decision
must be submitted to the Commission not later than 5pm on August 28, 2020 by
post to Eswatini Communications Commission, P.O. Box 7811 Mbabane, hand
delivered or electronically to legal@esccom.org.sz.
diverse interpretations
Another issue that has a potential to trigger diverse interpretations and wider
reactions pertains to the intended or proposed prohibition of the practice of
communicating with the dead.
It is said that no broadcasting service provider station shall broadcast a
programme that promotes the practice of necromancy (the supposed practice of
communicating with the dead, especially in order to predict the future).
Necromancy is sort of a magic practice.
According to Article 4.1.20, no broadcasting service provider station should be
used to advertise the services of a witchdoctor or giving directions to people
to visit a certain witchdoctor.
If the Code passes in its original form, no person shall use a broadcasting
service provider station to use witchcraft, sorcery, enchantment, conjuration,
knowledge of an occult or crafty science to tell fortunes, recover stolen
property; give luck and wealth, cast out misfortunes or curing certain diseases.
Reads Article 4.1.22: “No broadcasting service provider station shall
broadcast a programme that promotes the practice of necromancy (the supposed
practice of communicating with the dead, especially in order to predict the
future).”
EmaSwati’s belief
EmaSwati hold the belief that the spirits of the dead continue to dwell in the
natural world and have the power to influence the fortune and their fate.
In fact, the belief in the existence of the spirit of the dead is a universal
worship that is practised in various parts of the world and diverse cultures.
A source said as much as there existed a thin line between necromancy, spiritism
and ancestor worship, the three practices derive their power and influence in
one principle – communicating with the dead.
ESCCOM also seeks to ban the broadcasting of claims that future events may be
predicted, other than as a matter of opinion.
Claims to make contact with deceased persons are not permitted, according to the
Code.
It is stated that Article 4.1.18 that no broadcasting service provider shall
promote the use of witchcraft.
“No broadcasting service provider shall host a witchdoctor for purposes of
promoting his/her witchcraft practices,” reads Article 4.1.19.
Lawyers, doctors
remain banned
The Code states that it is unethical and not allowed for certain professions to
advertise. They are physicians, lawyers, dentists, osteopaths, chiropractors,
herbalist, traditional doctors, occultists, optometrists and others of a similar
nature.
Children
The Code says material unsuitable for children should not be shown before 11pm
and after 3:30am. It is said that the transition from family-oriented to adults
only programming during the watershed period of 11pm shall be gradually
executed. For subscription and pay per view services, mechanisms put in place to
protect children must be clearly explained to subscribers.
It is also mentioned in the Code that broadcasters are responsible for
advertising material transmitted by their stations and must therefore ensure
that all advertisements are lawful, honest, decent, and truthful and conform to
the rules of fair competition.
ESCCOM’s Director-Strategy and Economic Regulation Lindiwe Dlamini said it
would be wrong of her organisation to comment at this stage. She said ESCCOM has
opened public comments on the issue.