Sanef expresses concern over ‘mob justice’ trend towards journalists

Sanef has expressed concern over a growing trend of death threats and social media harassment of journalists by right-wing groups and their supporters.

The organisation claim the attacks are aimed at silencing journalists or stop them from investigating their activities.

“Sanef wishes to caution against the threats of any nature and crimes against the media that continue with impunity. These fuels and perpetuates a cycle of violence. Consequently, the self-censorship deprives society of information and further affects press freedom,” it said in a statement.

“It also directly impacts the United Nations’ human rights-based efforts to promote peace, security, and sustainable development.”

EFF must apologise for ‘spies of apartheid government’ claims

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) were ordered by the Johannesburg High Court, to apologise for veteran journalists Anton Harber and Thandeka Gqubule-Mbeki, after accusing them of being spies for the apartheid government.

The Red Berets targeted the pair after they were singled out by the late struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, as working under Stratcom to discredit her, in a 2018 documentary by the Huffington Post.

The party was also ordered to pay damages of R40 000 to each of them, as well as footing the bill for their legal costs.

Recent attacks on journalists: Daniel Friedman

Sanef has also cited recent attacks made against The Citizen online news editor Daniel Friedman, who eventually quit social media, following threats on his life and a relentless campaign meant to paint him as an unfair and biased journalist.

The journalist said he has been targeted and falsely accused of releasing a video in 2015 making fun of the torture and murder of farmers, which was debunked by his employer in an article that acknowledged that the said was manufactured.

Some of the claims made against him on social media were that he called Afrikaans people “racist scum” and that he called for the death of right-wing South Africans, which he denies.

The Citizen has since suspended Friedman to investigate whether he violated the publication’s social media policy. Sanef said it is awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

Sanef: Follow proper channels for complaints

Sanef has reminded political formations and interest groups which may feel aggrieved or unfairly treated by the media, to contact the Press Ombudsman’ office, the Press Council of South Africa (PCSA) or the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).

“It is better to have an incorrect report properly investigated and sanctions imposed than resorting to mob justice through social media and creating a toxic atmosphere of conspiracy- and hate-mongering towards the journalists and media in general,” the forum concluded.