The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted with concern, the circulation of a purported “email” exchange claimed to be a conversation between a City Press journalist and a supposed handler.
The “email” surfaced following the publication of a story by the City Press in relation to the canned R5 billion deal, involving Thuja Capital Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
City Press has stated that the email is a fabrication and as SANEF, we believe them.
SANEF also welcomes the call by the City Press to anyone who claims to have evidence – proving wrongdoing on the part of any of their journalists – to come forward with such.
As SANEF we understand that there will be those who are not happy with the reporting, hence the smear campaign against reporter Mphumzi Zuzile and the City Press.
Journalists have long been subjected to smear campaigns, bullying and attempts to impugn their integrity.
SANEF stands for ethical and high standards in journalism. As an organisation, we would be the first to condemn any corrupt or unethical behaviour by any journalist.
Not only does the spread of fake news malign the integrity of the people targeted by such claims but also threatens their physical safety and that of their families.
In recent times we have seen a rise in deliberate disinformation and misinformation which is intended to not only mislead audiences but also meant to destabilise societies. The spread of fake news is much more destructive and not just an innocuous act of sharing content.
That’s why we call on members of the public to try and verify the information they receive – through reputable news organisations – before sharing it with others.
We hope that those with the necessary digital skills can investigate the matter and trace the origins of the purported email – including the time when it first surfaced on social media. We also call on law enforcement to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves.
Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Following an earlier statement that promised to meet with Standard Bank, the South African National Editor’s Forum (SANEF) met with the bank yesterday, Friday, 22 September 2023, to discuss the unfortunate incident that happened at their head offices in Rosebank, where a Daily Maverick (DM) journalist was harshly removed by the bank’s security.
The meeting noted the letter of apology sent to Daily Maverick earlier today. SANEF noted that Daily Maverick has accepted the apology and will meet with Standard Bank early next month.
“One of the key agreements in the meeting was that journalists’ work needs to be respected and they must be afforded the space to do their work. Further, the rise in threats, intimidation, and harassment of particularly women journalists needs to come to an end,” says Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF Chairperson.
The meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect, acknowledging the important role that the media plays in society and recognising the tough environments and conditions under which the media have to operate.
“We applaud SANEF for the direct, firm, honest, humane, respectful and principled manner in which they approached this matter. We appreciate the opportunity extended by SANEF to engage with Standard Bank. We hold the media in very high regard and reaffirm our commitment to supporting freedom of the press. A free media is a central pillar of our Constitutional democracy. Equally, a free and unhindered media is needed to create and maintain the conditions for inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” says Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank Group CEO.
The parties discussed the protocols required to ensure that journalists stay safe as they conduct their day-to-day reporting. SANEF used the opportunity to reiterate the importance of prior engagement when media attend at volatile situations that involve protests and conflict.
“Standard Bank is deeply committed to our Constitution and to supporting economic and human development in South Africa. We are, therefore, a firm and steady supporter of the rule of law and of media freedom. We will continue to defend and uphold these fundamental rights,” concludes Tshabalala.
SANEF reiterates that Standard Bank should ensure that their security personnel never physically tackle and intimidate journalists again.
Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) is disturbed by the recent incidents of aggression and violence against journalists while they are doing their job.
The first incident unfolded on Tuesday, 19 September, where the security personnel at Standard Bank, manhandled Daily Maverick reporter Lerato Mutsila while she was on duty. Mutsila was covering the Extinction Rebellion protest at the bank’s Johannesburg headquarters.
The incident involved the unacceptable deletion of photos and videos from Ms. Mutsila’s phone and her violent removal from the bank’s premises by security personnel.
We note that a charge of assault and unlawful deprivation of property has been filed with the South African Police Service (SAPS) by the journalist in response to this unacceptable behaviour.
Ms. Mutsila says her attempts to identify herself as a member of the media were ignored. Instead, she was subjected to intimidation, and physical aggression, and forcibly removed from the building by at least four male security guards, acting upon the instruction of the bank’s group manager for Internal Protection Services.
SANEF has been in contact with the leadership of Standard Bank, the sponsors of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, and will soon be meeting with them to iron out these issues. We are encouraged by the willingness of Standard Bank to resolve the matter.
In another incident, eNCA reporter Hloni Mtimkulu was physically manhandled and pushed out of a South African Post Office branch while she was interviewing government grant beneficiaries on their recent experience with the non-payment of grants.
The post office is a public institution and journalists have a right to do their jobs. The Post Office cannot dictate to beneficiaries who they should be talking to.
SANEF will also write to Minister of Communications Mondli Gungubele, to express its displeasure at the behaviour of the staff at the Post Office.
In Makhanda, our colleague Anna Majavu – who works for Grocotts Mail – was harassed while covering a case at the local Magistrates’ Court.
SANEF fully supports the Advisory Board for Grocott’s Mail in expressing its condemnation of the attack on Majavu – who encountered threats, harassment, and physical violence.
We reiterate the point that members of the public, who are unhappy with certain reporting have channels available to them to express their unhappiness. The Press Ombudsman is there to adjudicate any dispute between members of the public and a publication – free of charge just as the BCCSA adjudicates complaints relating to broadcasters.
We encourage communities to utilise these available platforms.
In conclusion, SANEF believes that the safety of our journalists and media freedom are fundamental democratic principles that all peace-loving South Africans should safeguard.
Any form of violence, intimidation, or threats against journalists is anathema to the South African constitution.
The behaviour of the staff at the Post Office demonstrated an attitude that has become all too familiar for most South Africans whenever they have to deal with public institutions.
That is an attitude of rudeness, disrespect, and even violence. Such behaviour is unacceptable and runs contrary to the principles of a free and democratic society. It is a serious infringement of press freedom, which is enshrined in the Constitution.
Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
SANEF Chairperson Sbu Ngalwa addressing the Nat Nakasa Awards.
17 September 2023
On the 16th of September 2023, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) gathered in Sandton to celebrate the exceptional winners of the 25th Nat Nakasa Awards for Courageous Journalism.
The Nat Nakasa Awards recognise a special element in journalism – courage, fearlessness, and an unyielding commitment to serving the people of South Africa despite insurmountable obstacles.
The Nat Nakasa Award for Media Integrity was presented to the news agency GroundUp’s journalists, Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons. The award for the Nat Nakasa Award for Community Media went to Anton van Zyl, the publisher of the Limpopo Mirror and the Zoutpansberger.
Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF chairperson expressed his delight thus: “Your courage and dedication inspire us all. Courage and bravery are not easy to come by. This year, our distinguished panel of judges has chosen to honour individuals whose work embodies these principles.”
“These awards stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of journalists who go above and beyond in their pursuit of truth, even in the face of daunting challenges,” he says.
SANEF was honoured to have Justice Zukisa Tshiqi of the Constitutional Court, a member of the South African Women Judge’s Association, also involved in various mentorship programs, as our keynote speaker. Her theme of the absolute importance of truth and transparency both in the media and judiciary was inspiring and this will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of courageous journalists.
Judge Tshiqi said; “The Constitutional Court has recognised that the work done by the journalists is very crucial in our democracy … journalists contribute in ensuring that there is transparency and accountability in the exercise of public and private power.”
The awards’ sponsor, Gaffar Hassam, Group Executive – Corporate Affairs, SanlamAllianz, noted, “Sanlam’s partnership with SANEF is on its 8th year and continues to grow in recognition of Sanlam’s ‘s commitment to media freedom.”
“Nat’s sense of justice was so strong that in his pursuit of truth, he chose exile from his native land, travelling to New York on a Niemann Fellowship, without a passport. Just an exit permit. An exit permit from his country of birth meant he was banished and unable to return home and we will continue to honour his legacy,” he told the audience.
In their citation Anton van Zyl, the judges remarked, “It is very difficult to operate in the space of community media. There is not that much money to make because advertisers focus on commercial media to reach out to consumers. The challenges remain despite the government having made promises that part of its advertising should go to community media. When a journalist like Anton van Zyl, who is the publisher of the Limpopo Mirror and the Zoutpansberger, continues to make a difference in this space, we need to commend them for the good work.”
Those who have worked closely with Van Zyl attest to his generosity in sharing his extensive knowledge with other small community-based publishers. He has been a driving force in the Association of Independent Publishers’ sustainability committee.
The judges’ citation of Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons reads, “When the Thabo Bester story broke, it was unbelievable. We congratulate GroundUp‘s efforts not to give up on the suspicions that Bester was not dead but living large after escaping from jail. He faked his death. The GroundUp stories were so accurate in reflecting the difference that media can make in life. The story touched on bravery as well as social justice.
“Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons rocked the boat of corruption that happened at Mangaung Correctional Centre, which involved senior officials managing the prison. Since the breaking of the story, the government arrested several officials at the centre for assisting Bester to escape. His girlfriend, Dr. Nandipha Magudumane, assisted him to fake his death and escape from jail. They skipped the country, were arrested in Tanzania, and brought back to South Africa and now stand trial.
“We need to applaud Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons for the sterling work of exposing this prison corruption without fear or favour.”
Crystal Orderson, one of the judges, expressed, “It is again a pleasure for the four of us – Peter Sullivan, Joe Thloloe, and I, Chrystal Orderson and Moipone Malefane – to go through the entries and again marvel at the high quality of journalism that South Africa continues to produce.
“This is done under difficult economic conditions. We still have journalists who show integrity and report fearlessly, display a commitment to serve the people of South Africa despite insurmountable obstacles, resist censorship, and show courage in making information available to the SA public.
Ngalwa, SANEF chair, also presented our in-house Stephen Wrottesley Award for honouring dedicated members to community media subcommittee chairperson Dunisani Ntsanwisi. This award is bestowed on a SANEF member who shows commitment, and passion to Sanef.
He was awarded for playing a key and definitive role in Sanef’s Community Media Digitisation project for always putting the issues and interests of community media on the agenda; playing a key role in the inaugural Sanef Indigenous Languages Seminar and ensuring that the Association of Independent Publishers continues to be an active and relevant organisation.
The awards were sponsored by Sanlam
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Sanlam is the proud sponsor of the Nat Nakasa Awards.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has listened to the shocking audio where Lebogang Maile brazenly attacks News 24 journalist Kyle Cowan and unfairly accuses him of racism.
Maile, Gauteng’s MEC for Human Settlements, decided to go on this tirade all because Cowan was asking questions about the progress in the probe into the Gauteng Partnership Fund, which forms part of Maile’s responsibilities.
Maile’s conduct should not be merely condemned but his boss, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, should call him out and also state publicly whether the views of Maile reflect those of the provincial government.
Calling Cowan, a “stupid racist white man” and telling him “f@#k you” are totally unacceptable and unbecoming of a senior leader in government.
Journalists have a right to ask questions, especially where public funds are involved. As a public official, Maile demonstrated arrogance and behaviour which brought the entire institution of government into disrepute.
Disappointingly, we have not heard a single word of condemnation from Premier Lesufi.
Leading up to the 2024 national and provincial elections, politicians should be cautioned on how they relate to the media, that their usual arrogant and dismissive behaviour towards journalists, particularly when asked uncomfortable questions, will not be tolerated by the media.
SANEF will always support the work of journalists, which includes asking tough and uncomfortable questions, and we will always speak out against any kind of rogue behaviour, regardless of who the offender is.
SANEF stands with Cowan and any other journalist who faces such forms of abuse. As an organisation, we abhor any form of bullying and attempt to intimidate and harass journalists.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) joins the global community of journalists, media organisations, and civil society groups, in expressing our deep concern over the infringements on media freedom and the repeated harassment faced by Zimbabwean journalists and civil society observers in the run-up to the elections in Zimbabwe.
We call upon the Zimbabwean government and authorities to uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and human rights by granting journalists from South Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, Africa, and around the world, the necessary accreditation to enter Zimbabwe and cover the forthcoming elections.
As part of the global community of journalists and media freedom advocates, we stand united in our commitment to defending media freedom and ensuring that accurate and impartial information reaches citizens around the world.
We urge the Zimbabwean government to recognize the importance of an unfettered media in a democracy and to take immediate action to create an atmosphere that respects the rights of both local and foreign journalists, leading to a fair and credible electoral process.
The role of the media in a democratic society is paramount. A free, diverse, and independent media plays an essential role in providing accurate and unbiased information to citizens not just in Zimbabwe, but also Zimbabweans in the diaspora around the world, enabling them to make informed decisions during elections.
SANEF believes that media freedom is the cornerstone of any vibrant democracy, and Zimbabwe should strive to adhere to international standards in this regard, including the UNESCO media freedom protocol and international laws governing media freedom.
The upcoming elections in Zimbabwe hold immense significance not only for the country but also for the broader African and global community. It is imperative that the elections be conducted in an environment that is free, fair, and transparent. Media must be allowed to operate without fear of intimidation, harassment, or censorship, ensuring that citizens have access to diverse perspectives and comprehensive information.
We condemn the reports of harassment faced by Zimbabwean journalists and civil society organisations who are in the country to observe the elections and ensure their fairness. Freedom of the press and the ability of civil society to operate unhindered are fundamental rights that should be protected and respected by all governments. Any attempts to suppress these rights undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process.
SANEF urges the Zim government to grant swift and unbiased accreditation to journalists from South Africa, the SADC region, Africa, and the world, allowing them to cover the elections and report without undue hindrance.
Further, Zimbabwe security agencies must cease all forms of unjustified deportation of persons in Zimbabwe to observe elections and the harassment against Zimbabwean journalists and civil society organisations, enabling them to carry out their vital work without fear.
We call upon the government to ensure a transparent electoral process that adheres to international standards, thereby instilling confidence in the results and upholding the democratic values of the nation.
The state must uphold the right to media freedom as enshrined in international protocols and conventions, fostering an environment that encourages diverse and open discourse.
The Zimbabwean authorities and the electoral agencies must collaborate with regional and international bodies to guarantee that the upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that respects human rights and democratic principles.
SANEF encourages all media houses with capacity to send journalists to Zimbabwe to raise awareness about the importance of media freedom and the need for transparent and fair elections in that country.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has, over the past week, observed two incidents that demonstrate attempts to trample on media freedom.
In one case a court is being used to try and gag a media house and, on another matter, a journalist was denied accreditation, without any valid reasoning being provided.
Attempted gag on News24
On the court case, which SANEF will closely observe, News24 will be facing off against Mike Maile and Bridgman Sithole, two allies of the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.
The two want the court to stop News24 from using the term “Alex Mafia”, in reference to them. SANEF finds this case ridiculous given that this term has been ubiquitously used for a number of years – to refer to those who, like Mashatile, originate from Alexandra township in Johannesburg and are connected to the Deputy President through business or political links. Mashatile is not only a public figure but also the second citizen of the country and so his dealings are a matter of public interest. The public has a right to know who the Deputy President associates with and how they influence him and/or vice versa.
The media and the political commentariat constantly refer to influential businesspeople who live in Stellenbosch as the “Stellenbosch Mafia”. This is all part of “protected comment” which is acceptable under the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Print and Online Media in South Africa.
To gag the news organisation would be tantamount to trampling on media freedom.
Russia’s gag on Daily Maverick
The decision by Russia to revoke the accreditation of Daily Maverick’s correspondent Peter Fabricius is illogical and a flagrant abuse of authority. Fabricius was packed up and ready to fly to St Petersburg for the Russia-Africa summit last week, only to find out the day before departure that his accreditation had been rescinded. No explanation has been forthcoming to date.
SANEF has learned that when Daily Maverick requested the Organising Committee to reconsider the decision to revoke his accreditation, it was told that “revision is not possible.”
What SANEF finds ridiculous is that Fabricius earlier received his accreditation on July 18, 2023, to cover the summit over 27 and 28 July.
Fabricius is a respected veteran journalist and foreign affairs expert who covered the inaugural summit in 2019 in Sochi.
These trips are not only costly for media houses, but independent coverage of the event was of public interest and of particular importance to South Africa given President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attendance.
SANEF aligns itself with the International Press Institute which pointed out that the summit “takes place amid the collapse of the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine, is of immense international public interest, in particular, given its impact on Africa. The revocation of Fabricius’s accreditation is an unacceptable limitation on the public’s right to receive information from diverse sources on this event.”
SANEF has noted the complaint to the Press Ombudsman, lodged against Daily Maverick by the Russian Embassy. This is in relation to a demand for a right of reply to an opinion piece penned by the Ukrainian ambassador.
The revocation of Fabricius’ accreditation follows the recent unfortunate event where South African journalists were ill-treated and stuck on a plane in Poland and could not report on the African Peace Mission to Russia and Ukraine. SANEF will soon be meeting Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency, to discuss this issue, among others.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is appalled by the callous murder of veteran photographer, Bongani Mbatha on Tuesday evening.
Two men were seen allegedly fleeing the scene where Mbatha was found dead with several gunshots in Woody Glen, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
While SANEF is unclear about the motive of this brazen murder, we hope that the SA Police Service will work speedily in its investigation and arrest of the perpetrators, so that they can face the full might of the law.
We send our condolences to the Mbatha family, his colleagues, and friends.
Mbatha was not only an excellent photographer but was equally popular with industry colleagues in KZN, who described him as having an ever-ready smile.
Aziz Hartley, editor-in-chief at Independent Media, said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of our dear colleague. This is a difficult time for them and his co-workers at Isolezwe. Bongani was kind-hearted, hardworking and a talented lensman. His death came as a huge shock to his colleagues. We call on the police to do everything in their power to ensure his killers are put behind bars”.
Mazwi Xaba, who worked with Mbatha for a number of years at Independent Media, said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of our dear colleague. Bongani was kind-hearted, hardworking, and a talented lensman. His death came as a huge shock to his colleagues. We call on the police to do everything in their power to ensure his killers are put behind bars.”
Mbatha was described as a dauntless, hard-working and dedicated photojournalist.
His death has intensified SANEF’s growing concerns about the safety of journalists – not only as they go about doing their work but also in their own homes.
Welcome Skosana
SANEF has also learnt with sadness that Daily Sun entertainment editor, Welcome Skosana, died on Wednesday night, 19 July.
Welcome worked as an entertainment editor for Daily Sun between 2005 and 2011, and as a journalist for City Press between 1999 and 2005.
Former Sowetan LIVE entertainment editor, Lesley Mofokeng, worked closely with Welcome when he was still a journalist at City Press.
“I knew him as an entertainment journalist. We covered the same stories when he was at City Press, and I was at the Sunday Times. I thought he was very polite, and he loved to laugh. I remember that. He was also sharing. At the time, our idea of journalism was to have scoops, so we’d keep things to ourselves and make sure stories waited until Sunday.
“In an environment like that, it’s easy to become selfish and forget humanity, but never Welcome,” he said.
Singer Machance described Skosana as a “good and humble person” who made barcadi music popular.
“I last spoke to him about three weeks ago when he was going to visit his father-in-law in Kimberley because he was ill. I got to know him in 2006. He called me asking to do a story about me because barcadi music was making waves, and I was one of the people doing it. I went to the Daily Sun office, and he did my story.
“He didn’t just write about me but wrote about Mujava and Bojo Mujo as well. We kept in contact even after he left Daily Sun. His death comes as a shock to me,” he said.
May their souls rest in peace.
-ends-
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Campaign for Freedom of Expression, Media Monitoring Africa, and the South African National Editors’ Forum welcome the“ resounding victory for media freedom” in the Moti-amaBhungane judgment
The South Gauteng High Court has thrown out the attempt by the Moti Group to silence the journalists at amaBhungane and reaffirmed the public interest value of such investigative reporting. Deputy Judge President Ronald Sutherland ruled that the amaBhungane journalists can continue publishing their series on the Moti Group and they do not have to return the leaked Moti documents or identify their source.
Sutherland was scathing of the decision to allow the original Moti order to be heard ex parte (in secret). He said it was “a most egregious abuse of the process of court … there is not a smidgeon of justification for it being brought ex parte”.
Sutherland also came out in favour of a journalist’s right to hold and use leaked information when it is in the public interest. He affirmed that pre-publication censorship could only be used in extreme cases and journalists should be allowed as a rule to protect their sources.
Moti was ordered to pay all costs for all three hearings that led to this judgment.
Anton Harber of the Campaign for Free Expression said: “The original order concerned us greatly as it seemed that the judge was abandoning the courts’ protection of free media, but this powerful ruling has reaffirmed our faith in the protection of our constitutional rights. This is a resounding victory for media freedom.
“Moti will have to defend himself in the public arena – and that is how it should be.”
Sbu Ngalwa, Sanef’s chairperson, said: “We welcome the judgement. It’s a great victory for media freedom. We’ve always maintained that journalism is not a crime. No one, no matter how powerful they think they are, should ever think that they can abuse our court system to block journalists from doing their jobs. Sanity has prevailed.”
William Bird, director of Media Monitoring Africa, said: “It’s a critical victory for media freedom and a significant slap down for a SLAPP suit with costs being awarded to the amici as well. We hope the ruling also serves to dissuade similar efforts to silence journalists. There are legitimate fora for cases against media to be dealt with, and we hope these will be drawn on in future.”
Campaign for Freedom of Expression: Anton Harber [[email protected], +27833039497]
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