COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE WELCOMES COURT INTERDICT AGAINST BLF

Parliament, Friday, 7 July 2017 – The Portfolio Committee on Communications has welcomed the interdict by the South Gauteng High Court which prevents the Land First Black First movement to gather outside the homes of individual journalists and threaten them.

The Committee has always held a strong view that an intimidation of individual journalists, in any form, goes against the constitutionally enshrined freedom of the press and other media.

“It is so unfortunate that BLF supporters gathered outside the home of Mr Peter Bruce to threaten him during the dark period in the media fraternity, following the passing of SABC journalist and producer, Ms Suna Venter. This is because her untimely death is linked to severe stress caused by a number of threats and torture she suffered, as a member of the so-called SABC 8,” said Mr Humphrey Maxegwana.

The Committee believes that the interdict will send a clear message to everyone that South Africa is a country governed by the rule of law, and that journalists are protected to do their work without fear or favour.

The Committee has further noted a decision by the council of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to place the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Phakamile Pongwana, on precautionary suspension pending an internal disciplinary process.

Mr Maxegwana said the Committee will await a full briefing in relation to the developments at Icasa from the Minister of Communications.

Statement issued by Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications, Humphrey Maxegwana, 7 July 2017