The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is concerned that inflammatory remarks on social media by Julius Malema could endanger journalists.
Malema accused television news channel eNCA in a series of tweets of “pushing an anti-black agenda” and “perpetuating and defending white privilege”.
eNCA editor-in-chief Mapi Mhlangu confirmed that journalists working for the channel had received abuse and threats after Malema’s tweets.
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“SANEF recognises and supports Malema’s right to criticise media houses and to engage editors in robust debates about how we cover the news. But this right does not extend to making spurious and inflammatory remarks that could endanger journalists‚” the organisation said in a statement on Wednesday.
“This is regrettable and must be condemned. When the EFF threatened journalists from ANN7 to stay away from its press conferences‚ SANEF met the leadership of the party and conveyed our concern about these tactics.
“We implored the EFF to voice its concerns with media houses through the appropriate channels and not to target journalists. We again reiterate this call.
“Complaints about eNCA’s editorial coverage should be lodged with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of SA or the Press Council‚ in the case of online content‚” said SANEF.
EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu was caught on video “manhandling” a journalist who took his photograph outside Parliament on Tuesday.
“Floyd grabbed my throat saying‚ ‘You don’t have permission’‚” said a visibly shaken Adrian de Kock‚ from Media 24.
Shivambu later apologised in a statement‚ saying: “I accept that my impatience with the gentleman was inappropriate.”
He said the EFF “upholds media freedom‚ and freedom of association”.
SANEF condemned the incident‚ saying: “This type of intolerant behaviour is unacceptable in a democracy.
“As a member of parliament he is entrusted with protecting our hard earned media freedom and freedom of expression as is enshrined in our constitution.”