Threats of violence are simply no answer
It often happens in South Africa that those who disagree with others see no other solution but to threaten violence. And we have all seen how some of these threats can turn deadly.
Yes, we will condemn and call for justice like we always do. But this is the kind of abhorrent behaviour that keeps repeating itself.
Threats were aplenty this week.
There were worrying threats that came from those who support the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The comprised threats, insults and violence innuendo, particularly directed against veteran eNCA journalist Karima Brown.
The threats came after EFF leader Julius Malema alleged Brown was an ANC spy who works closely with intelligence services – a claim not supported by any shred of evidence.
It is a claim that resulted in some EFF supporters threatening Brown with rape.
The media and political parties, particularly at heightened times like an election year, will so often not agree on various issues.
That is the mantra of every constitutional democracy.
The media will always scrutinise political parties. The media should also be subject to scrutiny.
What should not happen are threats being thrown around and no one, particularly the leaders of a political party, failing to condemn the actions of their supporters.
The threats were sent directly to Brown’s cellphone number. This came after a tweet posted by the EFF leader that clearly showed Brown’s cellphone number.
There was no apology forthcoming or no urgent desire to remove the tweet as floods of threats came Brown’s way.
Journalists are not holy cows and the ground they walk on should in no way be worshipped as if they are untouchables.
Every journalist worth their salt surely knows their responsibilities and what is required of them in terms of ethics and fair reporting, without any fear or favour to any particular party or individuals.
The explanation Brown gave was that a message was posted on a wrong WhatsApp group as it was intended for a colleague at eNCA.
I am certain the leadership at eNCA can also engage the EFF so that such is proven and we immediately put the dangerous theatrics of their supporters to bed.
In these dangerous times of living in a violent country, it will do us no good as a country if we are now going to go down the way of countries where journalists are under threat and there is very little regard for their lives – all because there are those who detest what has been covered in the mainstream media.
It will really do the EFF a lot of good to come out strongly in calling their supporters to immediately stop threatening Brown over a claim that has not proven to be factual.
Brown has received support from the majority of journalists over this. That is welcomed. What is also welcomed is Brown will not take this lying down and to continue calling out some of these hotheads associating themselves with the EFF.
The EFF has a responsibility as a growing party to stop suggesting to their supporters that threats and violence are the only avenues left when one is faced with critics of the party or those they disagree with.
Some EFF supporters threatened Brown with rape