Sanef Meets Mboweni Over “War” Tweets

13 November 2018

A South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) delegation met with Finance Minister Tito Mboweni today in Pretoria.

The meeting was arranged to discuss the minister’s recent social media posts threatening war against the media.

SANEF reiterated its concerns around increased physical threats to journalists and the critical importance of government (and corporate) leaders protecting and strengthening our constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms. These include rights to freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of the media.

The Minister shared the background context to his posts, which included a number of events where he felt his rights were seriously violated through unethical and reckless journalism. He acknowledged there were problems with the tone and severity of his tweets.

The Minister stressed the need to strengthen journalism ethics, so the craft could at all times be a service to the public and be protected from rogue elements, within and outside the industry.

The Minister stated his commitment to freedom of the media and highlighted the necessity of a robust and independent media in building the country’s economy and strengthening the overall macro-economic framework. He stressed though the importance of independent media reporting without fear, favour or prejudice.

Finally, he expressed his support for SANEF as an organization fighting for the safety of journalists – and for a quality, ethical and diverse media industry.

For more information please contact:

Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson

083 399 2852

Moipone Malefane – SANEF Secretary General

082 772 5861

Sam Mkokeli – SANEF Media Freedom Committee

082 084 2051

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director

082 926 6404