Minister slammed for ‘censorship’

THE SA National Editors Forum (Sanef) has condemned Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams for blocking journalists from covering the actions of protesters at an ANC elections manifesto launch in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape.

“Sanef has seen the video footage which was also broadcast on television stations showing the minister preventing the journalists from covering the protest and ordering them to cover what they came for and not give coverage to ‘people that are out of order’. Irate supporters stormed the rally complaining about poor service delivery. Journalists from the SABC and other media were among those blocked,” Sanef said.

“While we note the minister has apologised for the incident, we are concerned that she refers to her actions as an ‘altercation’.

“Given the minister’s high-profile portfolio relating in particular to the SABC, we would like to have an urgent meeting with her to discuss the matter and our concerns.

“We also salute the SABC for airing the footage, showing fierce editorial independence and a shift from the recent past where freedom of expression was undermined at the public broadcaster,” Sanef said.

During its council meeting on Saturday, Sanef called on political party leaders to allow the media to do its work – without fear or favour – and to ensure the safety of journalists at their events ahead of the 2019 elections.