SANEF Statement on Outcome of the Court Application on the Jamming of Cellphone Signal in Parliament

Sanef Statement 17 February 2015

The South African National Editors Forum together with Primedia Broadcasting, Right2know, Media24 and Open Democracy Advice Centre this morning approached the Cape High Court to seek an order that Parliament undertakes that no jamming of mobile signal shall ever happen. SANEF also sought an order that Parliament should agree to provide wide angle shots of video coverage of proceeedings especially when there was disruption in the House. In the next stage of the case,  SANEF will seek permission for broadcasters to bring their own equipment and cover the proceedings themselves. An attempt to reach agreement out of court failed and the matter was then heard by Judge Elize Steyn. She recorded Parliament’s undertaking that the signal jamming should never have happened and it will ensure that it never happens again. This is a victory on signal jamming.

Regarding the relief sought on the filming of disruptions, the judge gave Parliament until Monday next week to file affidavits. Parliament has asked for longer. This part of the case will be argued on Thursday February 25.

On the application for the use of own cameras and setting aside the present Parliamentary policy that disallows this, the Judge agree that this would be heard on an expedited basis in the next stage of the case subject to the judge president authorising the dates.

For Inquiries:
SANEF Chairperson Mpumelelo Mkhabela 082 296 2541
SANEF Media Freedom Committee Chairperson: Adriaan Basson 082 562 2113

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