The National Press Club would like to respond to utterances by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Tuesday during the sitting of a parliamentary ad-hoc committee, suggesting that journalists should be investigated by State Security, face imprisonment and heavy penalties if they report “badly” .
It is essential to reiterate the importance of media freedom in South Africa. Media freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, protected by the South African Constitution. This fundamental right allows for independent scrutiny of the forces that shape society, enabling citizens to make informed judgments on issues of the day.
The National Press Club believe in the importance of a free and independent media. Anyone with concerns about journalists or their behaviour, should reach out to the relevant regulatory authorities. These channels are in place to address complaints and ensure that journalists adhere to the highest standards of ethics and conduct.
The courts also provide recourse to any person who believes his/her reputation has been unfairly impacted by media reports.
The National Press Club supports the National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) in its condemnation of Mkhwanazi’s utterances and its call to acting police minister Feroz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to publicly condemn it.