In fact it was the publicity given to this blacklist  that set in motion a chain of events that led eventually to Zikalala’s  ignominious departure from the organisation.

In the new regime, where veteran  Jimi Matthews  seems to be running the newsroom, a new brand of censorship prevails.

For example, the Mail & Guardian alleges the SABC is trying to muzzle Julius Malema.

His speeches about Marikana  were reportedly edited out of news coverage.

Many people who don’t like what Malema is saying might agree with this action.

Those who see Malema as a selfish, destructive, opportunistic trouble-maker probably think it’s a good thing to shut him up.

There is a view that if he is deprived of the oxygen of publicity his political voice  will shrivel and die.

Yet the disaffected miners and others will continue to listen to Malema, regardless of how  the media behave.

In addition, the pressure on the SABC to silence Malema reportedly comes from ANC headquarters. Party leaders are upset because Malema is using Marikana to further his verbal attacks on President Jacob Zuma.

Luthuli House is also apparently trying to muzzle Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, who has become critical of Zuma’s  administration.

So this censorship has a particular pro-Zuma bias, just as Zikalala tried to slant the news his way.

Those who dislike Malema must appreciate that media freedom is indivisible. It cannot be turned on and off to suit particular purposes.

 As Voltaire never  said: “I may disagree with what you say but I’ll defend to death your right to say it”.