Listening to the silent majority

[35]

I asked SABC input-editor, Simon Tebele, whether fellow-blacks didn't look upon him in his television job as being a stooge of the government-led propaganda machine. He replied: ‘Perhaps we do have hotheads in South Africa, as in any country. They will say that the guy who does such and such a job within the system is a collaborator. But, there are plenty of other blacks who would say, “this chap is doing a fine job”. We do get at SABC a tremendous response from viewers who are both critical of our work and appreciative.’ I asked if he had seen recent polls confirming that most blacks oppose violence. ‘I believe these polls to be true,’ said Simon. ‘As a matter of fact, I know they are. A lot of people come to my house, and are excited about my work and ask advice as to how they could prepare their children for a similar career. Sometimes I say, ‘Give me a day and I will give you suggestions’. Sometimes I have an answer ready. I show them the way. The interest on the part of blacks to work for television is overwhelming. Kids say, ‘Look at this man, how

[p. 43]

did he get where he is?’ I ask them, ‘First education and next revolution?’ ‘Absolutely,’ is the reply. ‘Radicals, when they say they are fighting for liberation, often completely neglect their studies and often don't attend school at all. South Africans are now talking about change. Who is going to be the black leader of tomorrow? That leader will come forward from these very children. There is no other way. That's why education is absolutely vital.’