SANEF condemns the threats and intimidation directed at the Sowetan editor
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is appalled by the behaviour of Ms Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and some of her followers who have sought to intimidate the Sowetan editor, Sibongakonke Shoba, and his family.
The March and March Movement leader chose to attack Shoba after he wrote a stinging column last Friday about this organisation’s behaviour towards foreign nationals. Shoba has since been subjected to threatening messages via social media, with some of the tormentors hiding behind fake profiles.
Some have gone so far as to retrieve, through social media, and circulate pictures of Shoba and his family. This is sheer intimidation and harassment of a journalist intended to silence him.
SANEF condemns such behaviour and calls on law enforcement agencies to investigate it as dangerous and anti-democratic. Journalists, like any other South African, have a constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of speech.
Ngobese-Zuma also sent a letter from her lawyers challenging Shoba’s opinion piece and demanding that it be retracted and taken down.
SANEF is encouraged that the Sowetan’s lawyers have written back to Ngobese-Zuma informing her that Shoba has a constitutional right to free speech and that the article will not be retracted.
SANEF reiterates that xenophobia has no place in our society. When one of our member editors condemns the behaviour of xenophobes, we will always be behind them. The media, through the Press Code and Broadcast Complaints Commission of SA (BCCSA), operates within the confines of these codes and the country’s constitution. Anyone who feels aggrieved by the work of any journalist, publication, or media organisation can approach the Press Ombudsman or the BCCSA to complain, without attracting legal fees.
SANEF has also encouraged Shoba to open a criminal case against Ngobese-Zuma and her followers.
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 by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
For more information, please contact:
Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134
Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621
Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415
Slindile Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367
Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984
Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Jude Mathurine – Eastern Cape Convenor (083) 799-1701
Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138-5564
Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695
Twitter: @SAEditorsForum
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SANEF.org.za
