Sanef statement on attacks on journalists in Vuwani and Coligny
8 May 2017
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) condemns in the strongest terms possible the physical attacks on journalists from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) who were covering the protests in Vuwani, Limpopo on Sunday 7th May. One camera person was assaulted and three vehicles belonging to the public broadcaster were damaged. The perpetrators were members of the public.
Today (Monday 8th May) protestors and farmers in Coligny have attacked and chased away journalists who were covering the violence that erupted in the aftermath of a court decision. Photographic equipment belonging to journalists from various media houses has also been damaged.
Freedom of the media and freedom of expression are enshrined in our Constitution and should be respected by society as a whole. As such journalists should be allowed to conduct their work without fear or favour.
We urge the affected journalists to report the incidents to the police and call on authorities to investigate and charge those responsible for the threats to cause harm, the physical attacks and the damage to journalists’ property.