DA calls for media freedom at eThekwini EXCO meetings

The Democratic Alliance in KZN is deeply concerned about an incident that happened this week where members of the media were barred from recording at an EXCO meeting. This bizarre decision by City officials to prevent the recording of information that should be made publicly available is not illegal but a serious slap in the face of hard-won media freedom.

Citizens of eThekwini have a right to know how their money is being spent and rely on journalists to convey the relevant information to them. Denying journalists the right to record is sabotaging the free flow and access to information that has been fought for.

The DA calls for media freedom and political non-interference. We are calling on SANEF to fight this media sabotage and the curtailment of media freedom. The DA is committed to free speech and the accountability of government to its citizenry and will continue to fight for universal access to information.

Issued by Zwakele Mncwango, KZN DA Leader, 1 November 2015