The National Press Club has called an “urgent media summit” for Friday afternoon
to discuss the latest developments around ANC Youth League President, Julius
Malema’s handling of the media.
Chairperson of the National Press Club, Yusuf Abramjee, said editors, news
editors and political editors and reporters and media representatives have been
invited to the meeting scheduled for 2pm at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton.
Earlier today, the Press Club issued a statement criticizing Malema for his
treatment of a BBC reporter during a media briefing (see statement below).
“The decision to call a meeting for tomorrow was taken after the Press Club was
inundated with calls of concern following the incident during the ANCYL press
conference.
“We will discuss the media’s concerns and the way forward. Some media houses
have indicated they wish to make proposals on how to handle the abuse of the
media by the ANCYL. We hope to find common ground going forward,” said
Abramjee.
“I can confirm that Julius Malema called me this evening after he heard that we
called an urgent media summit for tomorrow. He indicated that he was willing to
engage a delegation of media representatives after the Friday to discuss the
issue. I will table this at the meeting,” said Abramjee.
He added that representatives from the South African National Editors’ Forum
(SANEF) will also attend.
