Thread by @SAEditorsForum

SANEF shocked by the actions of Communications Minister, Stella Ndabeni- Abrahams
(Thread)

The South African National Editors’ Forum condemns the blocking of journalists by Communications Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams from covering the actions of protestors at an ANC manifesto launch in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape.

SANEF has seen the video footage which was also broadcast on television stations showing the Minister preventing the journalists from covering the protest and ordering them to cover what they came for and not give coverage to “people that are out of order”.

Irate supporters stormed the rally complaining about poor service delivery. Journalists from the SABC and other media were among those blocked.

While we note the Minister has apologised for the incident, we are concerned that she refers to her actions as an “altercation”.

Given the Minister’s high profile portfolio relating in particular to the SABC, we would like to have an urgent meeting with her to discuss the matter and our concerns.

SANEF also salutes the SABC for airing the footage, showing fierce editorial independence and a shift from the recent past where freedom of expression was undermined at the public broadcaster.

SANEF held its council meeting today and ahead of elections is calling on party leaders to allow the media to do its work without fear or favor and ensure the safety of journalists at their events.

There is empirical evidence to show that when senior party leaders and politicians muzzle journalists, their supporters follow in their footsteps.

SANEF is a non profit association whose purpose is to advance ethical and quality journalism – a critical component of media freedom and access to information as enshrined in our constitution.

We note that due to the work journalists have done over the years to expose corruption & efforts to undermine democracy, often under intense political & public pressure, means there are people who aim to permanently damage the trust relationship between the public & journalists

SANEF will continue to champion the cause of independent journalism, to support journalists under threat in our own country and abroad, and to support the deepening of our democracy.

SANEF is concerned that attacks against journalists are escalating & calls on political parties & those elected to lead not to use journalists as pawns in their political infighting and/or to cover up corruption.

In the run up to the elections highly contested hot spots often pose a threat to the safety of journalists.

Should any person, organization or political party feel genuinely aggrieved by a story or any actions taken by the media, they should follow the correct channels to address their grievances.

SANEF will be holding elections workshops in all nine provinces focusing on elections coverage, ethics and fighting fake news.