The National Press Club strongly objects to any attempt to intimidate, threaten or obstruct journalists in the execution of their duties.

The Club is particularly concerned about the reported incident involving Sowetan journalist Herman Moloi while he was covering proceedings of the Madlanga Commission. Moloi was recording footage of KwaZulu-Natal businessman Stuart Scharnick speaking to Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams during a tea break.

The National Press Club is unequivocal, Moloi was carrying out legitimate journalistic duties in a public forum established in the public interest. No journalist should be subjected to threats, aggression or intimidation for doing their work.

We commend the Commission for its prompt and principled response.

We call for the incident to be dealt with accordingly and for continued assurance that all members of the media can cover the Commission’s work without fear or hindrance. Journalists must be able to do their work without fear of threats, harassment or intimidation.

The Club will continue to stand up for journalists’ right to do their jobs freely and without intimidation, in the interests of South Africa’s democracy and the public’s right to know.

ENDS.

Issued by the National Press Club of South Africa

Media Enquiries:
Antoinette Slabbert
Chairperson: National Press Club of South Africa
Cell: +27 82 320 2153

The National Press Club strongly condemns the interim gag order granted against Sunday Times political reporter Sisanda Mbolekwa, following her attempt to obtain a right of reply from public office bearer Dr Sunshine Myende.

Myende is the chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). In terms of the order, granted in terms of the Protection from Harassment Act, Mbolekwa is not allowed to report on Myende, send her questions or use her photograph.

National Press Club Chairperson Antoinette Slabbert said the Club views this development with grave concern: “Asking an implicated person for comment is not harassment, it is ethical journalism. It is a non-negotiable standard of our profession. To frame a right of reply request as harassment is a direct assault on media freedom.”

Media freedom in South Africa is a hard-earned constitutional right, not a privilege extended by those in power. It was secured through struggle and is protected under Section 16 of the Constitution. Public office bearers cannot evade accountability by seeking to silence journalists who ask difficult but necessary questions. “Sisanda Mbolekwa was doing her job. She followed the ethical codes we expect from every journalist in this country. She does not deserve to be gagged for it. If this order is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent: today it is Sisanda, tomorrow it is any reporter holding power to account,” Slabbert said.

The National Press Club supports Mbolekwa and her employer’s efforts to have the order overturned and calls on the courts to urgently review this interim order. It further urges all institutions to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and press freedom that underpin our democracy.
We stand in full solidarity with Sisanda Mbolekwa and will be following the court proceedings closely.

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