The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has received a report of verbal attacks and threats of physical harm on journalists from the ANN7 who were covering a protest in Cape Town last week. The perpetrators were members of the public.
Freedom of the media and freedom of expression are enshrined in our Constitution and should be respected by the whole society. Whilst people are entitled to their views about media owners and editorial content, journalists should be allowed to conduct their work without fear or favour.
We also wish to point out that in April 2016 we protested and met with the leaders of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) when they made threats to bar ANN7 journalists from their events as we believe that journalists are workers and should enjoy the freedom of association.
We urge the affected journalists to report the incident to the police and call on authorities to investigate and charge those responsible for threats to cause harm.
For Inquiries:
Sanef Chair: Sub-Committee on Media Freedom – Sam Mkokeli 082 084 2051
Sanef Chairperson – Mahlatse Gallens, 083 399 2852