Dentlinger, a Cape Town based- reporter, is blamed for a video clip showing the journalist asking some politicians to keep their masks on during an interview while allowing others to speak without a mask.
In the video, which has gone viral, FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald, the DA’s John Steenhuisen and Geordin Hill-Lewis are seen without their masks on.
But what irked the nation and other parties was when Dentlinger, had an audience with UDM Deputy President, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, she ordered that he put on his mark and other black political parties representatives.
This did not go well down with all and sundry and Dentlinger was asked to explain her behaviour.
She has since apologised.
But the ANC did not buy the story and demands accountability from the eNCA management.
Jessie Duarte, ANC deputy SG, said they were not happy with eNCA’s handling of the Dentlinger debacle: “It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, if you express yourself in racist terms, you are offensive to the people of South Africa. We suffered for many years.”
The picket that also included former minister Nomvula Mokonyane, presented the eNCA management with ultimatum of seven days to respond to their grievances around transformation.
eNCA signed a memorandum handed over by the party listing their demands which include transformation and rehabilitation of racist journalists.
Meanwhile, UDM has lodged an official complaint with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BBCSA) against eNCA for what it called double standards for black and white interviewees appearing on the channel.
The party has asked the oversight body to consider the complaint, pertaining to the conduct of Dentlinger and the production team.
Its unknown if she will be taken off air as investigations goes in.
