Bathabile bans eNCA from event

SA National Editors’ Forum concerned about latest incidents.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is concerned about the climate being created by politicians targeting journalists in their rhetoric, following two attacks of press freedom in recent days.

The most recent incident involved Minister of Women in the Presidency, Bathabile Dlamini, who barred a team from news broadcaster eNCA from government’s official launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children yesterday.

According to a statement by eNCA managing director and editor-in-chief Mapi Mhlangu, the team was filming Dlamini’s arrival at the campaign in KwaMagwaza in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal, when the minister expressed her unhappiness at them filming her.

The team was then informed by her chief of staff, Palesa Mphamo, that they would not be allowed to enter the venue.

This unhappiness at being filmed did not extend to the SABC, which was allowed in. Mphamo allegedly told the eNCA team this was because they “know the parameters”.

Sanef chairperson Mahlatse Mahlase yesterday questioned what these parameters were and described Dlamini’s actions as an abuse of authority.

“She definitely abused her power and abused her authority”, Mahlase said.

“We are quite disappointed, because this was a public space and a public event, and she deprived these journalists of the right to do their work.”

In eNCA’s statement, Mhlangu echoed her concerns.

“eNCA would like to put on record our deep concern at being barred from an event of national importance by a government minister,” it read.

“We reserve the right to ask questions of any publicly appointed representative. Indeed, we see it as our duty to do so. As a member of the media it is our constitutional right to operate freely and without harassment.

“To be gagged in this way is of great concern, particularly as we head towards an election year.”

The channel said it would engage with Dlamini’s department and the government communication and information system to get assurances that this would not happen again.

Last week, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema also raised Sanef’s ire when he lashed out at several journalists on social media and at rallies, calling on supporters to “deal with them decisively”.

Mahlase said Sanef called for a meeting with the EFF after some of the journalists fell victim to cyber bullying, threats and harassment, both online and in public.

Mahlase said politicians should remember that they have a responsibility not to encourage violence.