World Press Day: DA asks Zondo Commission to test allegations that SSA bribed journalists

3 May 2021

The DA will write to Judge Raymond Zondo to seek clarity as to when the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture will delve into allegations that the State Security Agency (SSA) bribed journalists and media houses to report positively about former President Jacob Zuma.

The Commission heard various testimonies which alluded to media houses being approached by SSA operatives. The DA is of the view that these allegations should be thoroughly tested by the Commission.

If it is true that some journalists had been paid off by the SSA, they must be named and held fully to account.

Today, as we observe World Press Freedom Day, we should recognise the fundamental role the media plays in strengthening our democracy by holding the government to account and keeping the public informed.

However, while the constitutional values of press freedom should be fiercely protected, the media must be held to account where they fail. It would, therefore, be a grave failing if these allegations are left untested.

Issued by Zakhele Mbhele, DA Shadow Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, 3 May 2021