The South African National Editor’s Forum (Sanef) welcomes the Labour Court’s decision that reverses the dismissal of the SABC journalists who challenged censorship at the public broadcaster.
The court decision affirms media freedom and sends a strong message that censorship has no place in a democracy.
Sanef praises the brave journalists who took the SABC to court to protect not only their rights, but a number of constitutionally-enshrined freedoms as well, and doing so in defence of our hard-won democracy and for the benefit of society at large.
We now call on the SABC to abide by this court decision and allow the four journalists involved in the court action, and the other four who have also been dismissed, to resume their roles without further harassment and intimidation.
Sanef is concerned about the undemocratic climate under which all journalists at the SABC now operate. It has been shown through this court case and other events that the SABC management is determined to ingrain a culture of fear that is harmful to media freedom and democracy.
It has been proven on recent numerous occasions that the executive team and the board lack the skills required to lead an independent and professional public broadcaster in line with its constitutionally-derived mandate. It is clear that the SABC is in dire need of ethical leadership, which Parliament and government can assist in putting in place.
For inquiries:
Sanef Media freedom Sub Committee Chairperson Sam Mkokeli 0820842051
Sanef Deputy Chairperson Katy Katopodis 0828057022
2nd Floor, 20 Baker Street, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2169
