SANEF CONDEMNS MALEMA’S REMARKS ABOUT ENCA
21 March 2018
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted with concern inflammatory remarks made by EFF leader Julius Malema on social media about ENCA and its journalists.
Malema has accused ENCA of advocating an “anti-black agenda” and supporting white supremacy.
SANEF recognises and supports Malema’s right to criticise media houses and to engage editors in robust debates about how we cover the news. But this right does not extend to making spurious and inflammatory remarks that could endanger journalists.
In her editor’s note, ENCA editor-in-chief Mapi Mhlangu confirmed that journalists working for the channel have received threats as a result of Malema’s tweets. Mhlangu confirmed to SANEF that members of her team have been at the receiving end of abuse and threats following Malema’s remarks.
This is regrettable and must be condemned. When the EFF threatened journalists from ANN7 to stay away from its press conferences, SANEF met the leadership of the party and conveyed our concern about these tactics.
We implored the EFF to voice its concerns with media houses through the appropriate channels and not to target journalists. We again reiterate this call.
Complaints about ENCA’s editorial coverage should be lodged with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of SA or the Press Council, in the case of online content.
For more information please contact:
Sam Mkokeli – SANEF Media Freedom Sub-Committee Chairperson
082 084 2051
Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director
082 926 6404