The National Press Club (NPC) expresses its grave concern over allegations arising from evidence before the court that suggest threats and intimidation directed at award-winning journalist Yusuf Abramjee.
News24 reported that evidence before the Madlanga Commission showed deputy Crime Intelligence head Feroz Kahn and Mohammed Sayed, chief operating officer of the cigarette manufacturer Carnilinx, exchanging messages in 2021 about possible intimidation tactics against Abramjee in response to an article he wrote about tax evasion by the illegal cigarette industry.
The National Press Club unequivocally condemns any attempt to intimidate, threaten, harass or silence journalists, whistle-blowers and media practitioners who expose corruption, organised crime, illicit trade and abuses of power. Journalists should never face threats for doing the very work for which they are recognised and celebrated.
National Press Club chairperson Antoinette Slabbert said: “Threats against journalists are threats against democracy itself. Whether they originate from criminal syndicates, powerful commercial interests, corrupt officials or any other source, they seek to undermine the public’s right to know and weaken accountability. The National Press Club stands firmly with Yusuf Abramjee and with every journalist who faces intimidation for pursuing the truth. Journalists must never be told to ‘stay in their lane’ when their constitutional responsibility is to hold power to account.”
At a time when press freedom is under increasing pressure globally and journalists continue to face harassment, violence and legal intimidation, South Africa must remain steadfast in protecting the constitutional rights that underpin a free and independent media. Recent international assessments have warned of worsening conditions for journalists and growing hostility towards independent reporting. The National Press Club therefore calls on:
• Law enforcement authorities to fully investigate any allegations of threats or intimidation against journalists;
• The relevant oversight bodies to ensure accountability wherever wrongdoing is established;
• Political leaders, business leaders and public officials to publicly reject intimidation of journalists;
• News organisations, civil society and the broader public to defend the constitutional principles of media freedom and freedom of expression.
A democracy cannot function when journalists are threatened into silence. The National Press Club reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending media freedom, ethical journalism, freedom of expression and the public’s right to receive information without fear, favour or interference.
For media enquiries, contact the National Press Club chairperson: Antoinette Slabbert on 082 320 2153