The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has recently been inundated with complaints from journalists who finding it increasingly hard to do their jobs when reporting on matters in court.
In the latest incident last Friday at the Randburg Magistrate Court, journalists were denied access when reporting on the Israeli gang.
Earlier in the week, a Sowetan journalist was forced to take the stand at the Boksburg Magistrate Court where a murder trial is being heard, merely because she has asked for permission to take pictures of the accused.
At its Council meeting at the weekend, SANEF had an in-depth discussion about the increasing incidents where journalists are either denied access or poorly treated in our courts.
While some of these concerns have been previously raised with organisations such as the Magistrate Commission and the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, we take a dim view of these very worrying incidents that counteract access to information and freedom of expression.
The Council meeting also noted the recent incidents involving the conduct of reporters covering the late Senzo Myeni’s court trial and resolved to invest more in the training of journalists when it comes to court reporting and to monitor ethical and responsible reporting in this regard.
Safety Portal
Due to the increased attacks on journalists and concern for their safety, Council resolved to establish a portal where journalists can access effective and urgent assistance when they are intimidated, attacked, and or threatened when doing their jobs.
Safety and Wellness
SANEF is concerned about the safety and wellness of journalists. The rollout of safety training interventions for journalists and editors will continue to be a key priority going forward.
Ethics Barometer
Anchored by the press code, SANEF has already started work with the Democracy Works Foundation toward the establishment of an Ethics Barometer. This was one of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Media Ethics and Credibility commissioned by Sanef in 2020.
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 noted reports of threats made against The Star’s editor, by an ANC MP.
According to reports carried in various Independent Media’s titles, ANC member of parliament Boy Mamabolo allegedly told editor Sifiso Mahlangu to stop reporting on Dr Bejani Chauke, an adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa, or face “assassination.”
Such a statement is not only a chilling threat to the life of Mahlangu but is also conduct that borders on criminal conduct.
SANEF has reached out to Mahlangu and requested that he shares the threatening messages from Mamabolo. He has yet to do so.
SANEF further notes Mahlangu’s decision to lay a criminal complaint against Mamabolo and calls for a full investigation into the matter.
SANEF stands for media freedom and believes that journalists should be given the space to do their work without political interference or intimidation.
While Independent Media, owners of The Star, are neither members of SANEF nor are they part of the Press Council of SA – like most mainstream media houses in South Africa – we believe that threats or intimidation directed at journalists should be condemned by all proponents of media freedom. Journalists have a right to do their job without fear or favour.
We call on the police to act swiftly in their investigation so that the matter can be brought to finality.
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 SA National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is appalled at claims of harassment and intimidation leveled against the media by locals who clashed with foreigners in Plettenberg Bay.
A reporter for The Herald, an Eastern Cape-based publication, was this week forced to leave her home because of threats of violence by community members in KwaNokuthula township.
The Herald editor Rochelle de Kock told SANEF that the reporter was now staying in a safe house.
So bad has the situation become that the reporter and the publication decided that her news reports will no longer carry her name in order to mitigate the intimidation and make her feel more at ease in a community in which she too is a member.
De Kock says the reporter was covering a protest march, along the N2 in Plettenberg Bay, by a large group of locals who have clashed with foreigners on September 01 when she was accosted. “They pushed her around and demanded she delete the footage she had taken. They threatened to break her phone. She was shaken by the incident and we told her to leave the scene,” says De Kock.
On Tuesday (September 20th), the Herald received screenshots of a discussion in a WhatsApp group where the locals not only expressed their displeasure at the work done by journalists in KwaNokuthula, but encouraged each other to “deal” with the Herald reporter and another journalist linked to Groundup.
SANEF abhors the use of violence – or even threats of violence – in resolving any disagreement. If anyone is unhappy with the work journalists do, they should freely approach the Press Council or the BCCSA.
Intimidating journalists to the point the reporters are uncomfortable to use their names on their news stories is indicative of the chilling effect this has on journalism. This is anathema to democracy.
SANEF finds the intimidation and threats against journalists unacceptable. We will always condemn this. We will support the Herald as a case has been opened, and we hope law enforcement agencies take appropriate action.
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 the 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 noted unfortunate incidents that took place today at the Pretoria High Court during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial as some journalists could be seen trying to corner a witness.
SANEF has always reiterated that journalists are not above the law and are also not beyond criticism. The journalists overstepped the line and as such, and we appreciate the apologies from the media houses involved. We also commend the journalists involved for apologising and recognising the error of their ways.
As much as the actions of the journalists were uncalled for, the immediate reaction to ban them from the court proceedings was also unfortunate as it meant most television viewers’ privilege of watching the live proceedings was taken away from them. This court case has huge public interest.
SANEF encourages journalists to familiarise themselves with court proceedings and how to behave when it comes to witnesses – more importantly the implications of their behaviour. SANEF has put together an exhaustive court manual that is meant to assist editors, news editors, and ultimately, journalists who cover court matters. Journalists can download the revised manual on Reporting the Courts here.
Our newsrooms must always be reminded that they have a duty to care about how they treat stories and the subjects of their reporting. SANEF will continue to invest in the training of journalists and encourages all court-reporting journalists to utilise the court manual.
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 the 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.
South African National Editors’ Forum commends the bravery of the country’s journalists, who are working under very difficult conditions while navigating the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. The recent unrests in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal saw journalists’ lives being threatened and at least 5 radio stations attacked, and their equipment stolen.
SANEF held a virtual non-elective Annual General Meeting, on Saturday 14 August, and discussed several issues including the challenges facing the industry – from media freedom, media sustainability, training of journalists ahead of the elections, access to information, education & training, and support for community media.
The AGM reasserted the pivotal role that journalism continues to play in our constitutional democracy and the importance of the work that has earnestly started to get the media industry to be financially sustainable.
Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF chairperson, said: “We have a lot of work ahead of us as an industry. We are now fully engaged with the work towards the sustainability of our profession. Members attending this AGM yet again reiterated their commitment and support to all efforts to ensure that we continue to enjoy a strong and independent media which produces quality journalism”.
Five community radio stations support
SANEF has decided to support five community stations that were recently affected by the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The five stations, Intokozo FM in Umlazi, Kasie FM in Katlehong, Alex FM in Alexandra, Mams FM in Mamelodi and Westside FM 98.9 MHz in Kagiso, will each been assisted with R20 000 to use towards the purchase of equipment they need as they work towards recovery, fully focused on serving their communities once more. The five stations were also specially recognised at the Nat Nakasa Awards, held on Saturday evening in Johannesburg.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has learnt with shock of the killing of Joshua Mbatha, Alex FM’s music manager. He was 32. Mbatha, affectionately known as DJ Jorontinah, was shot by unknown gunmen after he left work, and was on his way home on Thursday night. He was with two of his colleagues, Sammy Ramodike and Matome Mookanedi, when they were stopped by gunmen.
Isaac Mangena, Alex FM’s chairperson, said in a statement: “They took their phones and shoes before shooting Joshua in the chest. He succumbed to his injuries at Masakhane clinic around 21h00. Let’s keep the family and Josh’s colleagues in our prayers. A promising career gone too soon.”
Mbatha’s killing underlines the high levels of deadly crimes that South Africans are subjected to on a daily basis. We call on law enforcement agencies to work around the clock to apprehend the killers.
Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF’s chairperson, said: “At 32, Joshua was still young and with a great future ahead of him. We call on the police to ensure that the perpetrators are found. Our communities, including media workers, are living under constant fear of crime and brutality. It has to stop”.
Alex FM was one of the stations that were looted during last year’s unrest in July. Following the looting, the station remained on air despite the challenges. For this, Alex FM received an award for bravery at last year’s Nat Nakasa Awards.
SANEF sends its condolences to the Mbatha family, friends, and colleagues at Alex FM.
Funeral and memorial service details will be announced in due course after consultation with the family.
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 the 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) held a successful, elective annual general meeting where Eyewitness News editor-in-chief Sbu Ngalwa was re-elected as the chairperson.
Sowetan editor Nwabisa Makunga was elected as the deputy chairperson while New Frame associate editor, Monica Laganparsad, was voted in as the secretary-general.
Tshwane University of Technology broadcast media lecturer Tshamano Makhadi is the new Treasurer-General.
The AGM spent time focusing on the mental health of journalists as they continue to experience various, differing traumas.
SANEF remains deeply concerned about the safety and wellness of frontline journalists who are often the first respondents and witnesses to natural disasters and violence.
During the organisation’s AGM, Cassey Chambers, from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), addressed the meeting on the urgent need for newsrooms to attend and prioritise journalists’ mental wellness.
Chambers said SADAG is of the view that journalists experience high levels of depression and anxiety, further indicating that they experience more post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than doctors working on the frontline. She said worryingly, journalists often checked all seventeen boxes on the PTSD checklist.
The AGM decided to establish a safety and wellness sub-committee, to be chaired by Katy Katopodis. The committee’s focus will be to champion SANEF’s efforts to address mental health support journalists and pay special attention to the growing incidences of violence, including personal threats and the cyberbullying of journalists.
Members of the media are encouraged to contact SANEF as and when their freedom to report is infringed upon. The other highlight of the AGM was the address by Dr Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Elected in March last year, Motsepe reiterated the importance of media freedom and how the work of SANEF must be supported. He said any kind of harassment of journalists should be condemned and journalists should not keep quiet when such behaviour occurs.
The AGM also elected the chairpersons of the following sub-committees:
Makhudu Sefara: Media Freedom
Phathiswa Magopeni: Education and Training
Izaak Minnaar: Access to Information and Media Policy
Qaanitah Hunter: Media Ethics and Diversity
Dunisani Ntsanwisi: Community Media
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 the 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.
South Africa is facing several threats to freedom of expression with at least 59 separate incidents where journalists were subjected to physical or verbal attacks and harassment, Amnesty International South Africa, Campaign for Free Expression, Committee to Protect Journalists, Media Monitoring Africa, and the South African National Editors’ Forum said on World Press Freedom Day.
These include attacks on journalists by police, political parties, and the public; online threats targeting journalists such as hate speech, harassment, and doxxing; the surveillance of journalists by state intelligence; overly punitive legislation that targets journalists or limits their ability to report; and the ongoing vulnerability of senior journalists at the public broadcaster.
All of these are restricting the right to free expression in the country and have the potential to limit the right of the public to access information in the public interest. These issues must be properly addressed by the state in order to prevent a weakening of free expression in the country.
Last month, our five organisations made a joint submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) focusing on South Africa’s compliance with international human rights obligations related to freedom of opinion and expression. The UPR is a review of the human rights records of all UN member states held every four years. Our submission also looks at progress made since the last UPR review in 2017.
The submission details concerns over a number of issues, notably the physical attacks and harassment of journalists; online attacks and surveillance of journalists, “false news” and editorial interference at the SABC.
While the media in South Africa enjoys more freedom than many of their counterparts on the continent and other parts of the world, they still find themselves facing a barrage of attacks on a daily basis, physically and online. Trust in the media has also waned over the past few years, especially because of misinformation and disinformation.
Physical attacks and harassment of journalists
In the past five years there have been at least 59 separate incidents where journalists
working in the field have been assaulted, or verbally and physically harassed, preventing them from doing their work. The main perpetrators of these attacks have been the South African Police Services (SAPS); political parties or groups and their supporters; communities where reporting occurs; and criminals.
The attacks restrict the ability of journalists to perform their tasks properly, and therefore have direct consequences for freedom of the media and freedom of expression in South Africa.
The organisations were concerned that the attacks speak to an underlying lack of understanding and acceptance of the importance of a free media and the extent to which they are the result of deliberate attempts by politicians, including cabinet ministers, to undermine the media.
Online attacks
We have also seen an increase in online attacks on journalists. Since the last reporting period, journalists have been subjected to hate speech, death threats, threats of physical harm, and public attacks by politicians and public figures.
Of specific concern has been the targeting of journalists or the media in general by politicians which often leads to further online harassment and intimidation by their political supporters. Threats to female journalists have also been pervasive, with many of these attacks being gendered and include misogynistic attacks, death threats, and threats of rape.
These attacks undermine media freedoms and can have a chilling effect on a journalist’s willingness to perform his or her duties, sometimes leading to self-censorship. Journalists are also unable to find easy recourse to justice.
Surveillance of journalists
We have raised concern that reports of state surveillance of journalists by the Crime Intelligence division of the SAPS persist, with the latest incidents reported as recently as March 2021. This is despite the Constitutional Court declaring the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act 70 of 200219 (or RICA) unconstitutional.
Editorial interference at the public broadcaster
In the previous UPR review, South Africa supported a recommendation to ensure that journalists, especially those working at the public broadcaster, can work without fear of reprisals for expressing critical opinions, including when reporting on issues sensitive to the government.
Not enough was being done to ensure the editorial independence of the SABC. This includes potential for board interference in editorial decision-making, ostensibly to secure preferential coverage for the ruling-party.
Despite several house-cleaning exercises over the past five years, including a revision to the public broadcaster’s editorial code (which is considered a benchmark for editorial independence at the public broadcaster and is supported by the industry and media watchdogs) and reassurances from the broadcaster of its commitment to editorial integrity and independence, allegations continue to surface of undue political influence in editorial decision-making.
“False News”/Mis and Disinformation
In 2020, during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, regulations were issued in relation to the Disaster Management Act of 2002. Section 14 (2) of the regulations made it an offence to publish any statement “with the intention to deceive any other person” about Covid-19, or any measure taken by the government to address Covid-19.
We raised concern that attempts to criminalise the spread of “false news” will largely be ineffective, can be misused, and will have a chilling effect on media freedoms. Leaving “false news” unaddressed is also a problem, and can damage public trust in journalists, and result in a loss in media credibility, as was suggested in the 2021 Inquiry into Media Ethics and Credibility initiated by the Sanef.
However, criminalising the spread of information over educating the public and encouraging fact-checking and other mechanisms to increase the public’s access to trustworthy, objective and reliable data is likely to lead to serious infringements of media freedoms, including the misuse of this legislation by partisan authorities, censorship and self-censorship, and, as has been pointed out, could delay access to critical information that is in the public interest.
Other concerns raised in the submission related to:
Cybercrimes Act
Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill
Threats to whistleblowers
Review of the Protection of State Information Bill
Amendments to the Films and Publications Act
Children and the media
Read the full UN UPR submission on Freedom of Expression here.
For further information or requests for interviews, please contact:
Amnesty International South Africa Media and Communications Officer, Genevieve Quintal on +27 64 890 9224 or [email protected]
Campaign for Free Expression (CFE) Director, Anton Harber, on [email protected]
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Africa Program Coordinator, Angela Quintal, on +1 212-300-9004 or [email protected]
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) Director, William Bird, on +27 11 788 1278 or [email protected]
South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) Executive Director, Reggy Moalusi on +27 10 001 8971 or [email protected]
Cyberbullying and harassment of journalists, particularly women, continues to be one of the biggest concerns faced by the media across the world, with South Africa being no exception.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is disgusted and infuriated by the latest incident where fans of social media influencer, Faith Nketsi, decided to abuse and send derogatory messages to City Press entertainment reporter, Julia Madibogo.
The abuse came after Nketsi publicly shared Madibogo’s cellphone number with her followers on social media. This was after Madibogo contacted Nketsi, seeking her comment on the story the newspaper published regarding Nketsi’s wedding and rumoured pregnancy.
We are happy and encouraged to be informed by the management at City Press that Madibogo has laid charges with the police, and they have also engaged their legal representatives to look into this matter.
Cyberbullying, among other harassments of journalists, has in recent times been on the increase and should be condemned. Cyber bullying does not only put the lives of journalists in danger, but also makes it difficult for journalists to freely do their work.
SANEF has always called on those affected by news stories they deem factually incorrect, to lay complaints with relevant bodies such as the Press Council and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa. These bodies have been set up to primarily address any issues South Africans may have when it comes to accuracy and ethical conduct.
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 the 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.
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