SANEF members from the print media subscribe to the South African Press Code which requires that news be truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we fail to live up to the Code please contact the Press Ombudsman at: Tel: 011 484 3612 / 8 Fax: 011 484 3619 Website: www.presscouncil.org.za E-mail addresses: ombudsman@presscouncil khanyim@ombudsman

04 August 2008

It has been brought to the attention of SANEF that several journalists who were accredited to cover the trial of ANC President Jacob Zuma in Pietermaritzburg today (Monday) were prevented from getting into the court.

This is a matter of serious concern to SANEF for several obvious reasons. The court hearing is a matter of huge public interest in the country and internationally. By denying journalists from doing their job on this case, the South African public, which cannot be in court, is being denied its right to information, which is a right guaranteed in our Constitution.

Given the nature of the case and the person involved, it can never be denied that the South African public should get as much information on the case as legally possible.

We therefore call on the authorities to act swiftly to ensure that journalists are allowed full access to the court so that they can do their work without any hindrance. There can be no justification to deny access to accredited journalists.