Sanef Statement on Malema’s threat towards Journalists– 04 February 2016

The SA National Editors' Forum has noted with concern the dangerous remarks made today by EFF leader Julius Malema threatening journalists employed by ANN7 and The New Age.

It is unacceptable for any political party to intimidate journalists and to publicly state that they cannot guarantee their safety.  TheSANEF urges the EFF not to ban journalists working for Gupta-owned media from covering EFF events & press conferences and to reaffirm the rights to media freedom and association.

The EFF is entitled to its views about media owners, but should allow journalists to conduct their work without fear and in a climate conducive to the free exchange of information.

Freedom of the media and freedom of expression are enshrined in our Constitution and should be respected by the EFF.  A diverse media is essential for a robust and healthy democracy.

South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef)

Statement issued by Adriaan Basson, SANEF Media Freedom Committee Chairperson, 4 February 2016