The broadcasting rights for former president Nelson Mandela’s funeral are reportedly being negotiated with CNN. The rights are being negotiated while Mandela remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Executives at the SABC claim Makaziwe Mandela and the daughter of Mandela’s late son Thembekile, Ndileka, conducted a meeting last month. The “sensitive” meeting was held to discuss the coverage of Mandela’s funeral. The official broadcaster of the funeral is the SABC but the family are suggesting CNN have “preferential” access.

An official at the meeting said:

We are aggrieved, and understandably so. But there appears to be little we can do, as the family appears to have their own plans.

A different official states that CNN having the “preferential” broadcasting rights was something demanded by the family. This official also suggested the deal had already been confirmed between the family and CNN.

CNN responded to the article written on IOL News.

There is absolutely no truth to the allegation that CNN has bought the rights to the Mandela funeral.

[Source: IOL]