The SABC has appointed senior staffer Zolile Majova to handle any complaints from political parties on its coverage of the election campaign.

The public broadcaster said on Wednesday he would deal directly with such complaints.

Majova, the current managing editor of SABC television news, vowed to make "certain that political parties get equitable and fair treatment" in the run-up to the vote.

He asked that complaints be filed directly with his office.

The SABC said appointing a news complaints officer was part of efforts to ensure unbiased election coverage.

The broadcaster said it has already briefed 15 political parties on how it intends to cover the vote, which expected to take place early next year.

Sapa