SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS

The safety of journalists is one of Sanef’s top priorities. Throughout several key incidents and events of news-interest, journalists’ safety continues to be one of the most important aspects of Sanef’s mandate.

Importantly, beyond the safety of journalists, Sanef has in the past few years partnered with the SA Depression and Anxiety Group, to critically step whenever journalists want any kind of help in relation to mental wellness. Journalists and editors are free to urgently contact the Sanef office, whenever they are in danger or need any kind of advice. Additionally, Sanef continues to engage and work closely with the government, and other institutions when it comes to better treatment and safety of journalists.

WAYS TO GET ASSISTANCE

Trauma resources
In the event that a member of the media is facing any form of threat trauma resources

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group

Lifeline

Sanef office – Reggy (0716823695), Hopewell (0835821734), Dzudzie (0790297656), Nyakallo (0677555707)

Committee to Protect Journalists

Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

Poynter: Journalism and Trauma

Front Line Defenders: Resources for Wellbeing & Stress Management

Sexual violence and harassment – International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF): Recommendations

CPJ: The silencing crime: Sexual violence and journalists
Report a matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS)

In the event that a member of the media is facing any form of threat or violence, this must be reported to the South African Police Service as a matter of urgency, as the appropriate authority tasked with handling criminal matters.

All members of the media are encouraged to prioritise their safety and the safety of those around them, put in place necessary measures for protection, and seek appropriate assistance from colleagues, friends and family, and the designated bodies that can assist.

The SAPS can be contacted on 10111.
Lodge a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)

A complaint may also be lodged with the South African Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Complaints Handling Procedures (1 January 2018). The South African Human Rights Commission is competent to investigate any alleged violation of human rights, either on its own initiative or on receipt of a complaint, and has a wide discretion to decide whether to investigate a complaint or not.
Report a matter to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

During the election period, the IEC should be approached with any matter that falls within its jurisdiction as a contravention of the electoral law framework. For example, section 8 of the Electoral Code of Conduct requires candidates to respect the role of the media during elections, including by not preventing members of the media from accessing public political meetings, marches, demonstrations and rallies. It further provides that every party and candidate must take all reasonable steps to ensure that journalists are not subjected to harassment, intimidation, hazard, threat or physical assault by any of their representatives or supporters. In the event that a registered party or candidate does not adhere to these provisions, this should be brought to the attention of the Commission as a breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

For media inquiries please contact: [email protected].
Report attacks on journalists using MARS

MARS is a platform created and driven by MMA. This civic technology initiative was developed in response to the increase in online attacks against journalists and to combat the limited action taken by both government and technology platforms. By providing journalists, and those who support them, with an independent tool for reporting attacks, MARS is contributing to building a public record and archive of attacks – an archive that can be used as evidence for action. Journalists who are being attacked can access this common, anonymised, archive of attacks and they can also store their own attacks in their personal archive. The goal is to reveal and highlight the scale of attacks and to show that not only are journalists not alone, but to show the world a visual reminder of the high cost of journalism. The archived material will be used to advocate for meaningful action and to expose common themes, repeat offenders and co-ordinated attacks.

Visit the platform here: https://www.mars.org.za.

Recent Updates on Safety of Journalists

December 28, 2023

SANEF lambasts the continued imprisonment of freelance journalist, Thomo Nkgadima

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

November 20, 2023

SANEF Decries the Heavy Loss of Forty-two Journalists and Media Workers in the War on Gaza

Media Freedom, News, Partners, Safety & Wellness

November 1, 2023

SANEF Condemns Assault and Horrible Treatment of Journalists

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

October 9, 2023

SANEF Supports City Press Against Attacks

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

September 22, 2023

SANEF Denounces Incidents of Aggression and Intimidation Towards Journalists

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

April 3, 2023

SANEF Gutted by the Callous Murder of Veteran Journalist, Jeremy Gordin

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

As an organisation, SANEF has taken up safety issues through various channels. We have fought the matter through training, research and the courts.

Safety and the 2024 Elections

An important component of our elections training in 2024 was dedicated to the safety of journalists.

SANEF Elections Portal 2024

Access the CPJ South Africa Election Safety for Journalists Toolkit

SANEF has shared its Statement of Commitment on the coverage of elections with the IEC.

Statement of Commitment on Media Freedom and the Protection of Journalists » SANEF Elections Portal 2024

Further, beyond elections in 2024, we expect political parties and their leaders to continue respecting the work journalists do. SANEF will continue to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of journalists, and how they are treated not only by politicians but by the rest of our society.

SANEF held an important workshop on the matter of safety of journalists online in September 2019 with political parties. We invited world-renowned, Indian journalist and Washington Post columnist, Rana Ayyub to be the guest speaker. Also, Lawrence Mute, Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa was in attendance. Independent media law expert, Okyerebea Ampofo-Anti, delivered an input on a possible way forward including crafting a draft MOU to ensure improved terms of engagement.

Access the speaking notes from the 2019 SANEF workshop.

Further, in 2019 we took South Africa’s third biggest political party the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to court to stop online harassment of journalists.

Learn more about the South African National Editors’ Forum v Economic Freedom Fighters litigation.

The COVID-19 (SARS CoV-2) virus is a new infection. (SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19 disease.) What we know about it is growing and changing all the time as scientists conduct more research. So as journalists, citizens and people who want to stay healthy, your first responsibility is to use only reliable information sources to guide your reporting and your actions. please see click the following link for more on this. Please read the pamphlet here:sanef covid pamphlet web version (002).

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way journalists work. It has threatened their livelihoods and their health. This panel discussion, moderated by Bhekisisa editor Mia Malan, takes a closer look at how covering and living the story of the new coronavirus affected the mental health of journalists. Health reporters Joan van Dyk from Bhekisisa and Elizabeth Merab of the Nation Media Group in Kenya shared their experiences of reporting on the pandemic, with input from Kate Skinner, the executive director of the South African National Editors Forum, Sanef. Meera Selva, the director of Journalism Fellowship at the Reuters Institute of Journalism at Oxford shared the findings of a study called “Staying Sane in Maddening Times: Journalism, mental health and the pandemic”. Watch the webinar here.