Cape Town – The South African National Editors’ Forum has slated as “unacceptable” remarks made by Economic Freedom Fighters’ leader Julius Malema in which he targetted and threatened journalists employed by companies owned by the controversial Gupta family.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Sanef said: “We have noted with concern the dangerous remarks made today by EFF leader Julius Malema threatening journalists employed by ANN7 and The New Age.
Read: EFF declares war on the Guptas
“It is unacceptable for any political party to intimidate journalists and to publicly state that they cannot guarantee their safety,” the body said. “The Sanef urges the EFF not to ban journalists working for Gupta-owned media from covering EFF events and press conferences and to reaffirm the rights to media freedom and association.”
Sanef said the EFF was entitled to its views about media owners, but “should allow journalists to conduct their work without fear and in a climate conducive to the free exchange of information”.
Read: #NkandlaPayback: Top 7 quotes from Malema
Earlier on Thursday, the EFF said it had banned Gupta family-owned media outlets from attending any of its events and media briefings, while also demanding that the family leave South Africa.
There is growing unhappiness in South Africa over the close ties the Gupta family has with Zuma and other senior government figures.
“We are tired of talking about the Guptas … this is a battle against the Gupta family. The family is controlling this country, they have colonised South Africa,” Malema told reporters in Johannesburg.
“The New Age newspaper and TV channel ANN7 are banned from our events from now on. This is not tempering with media freedom … the Guptas are not about media, they’re about propaganda. It is a machinery of corruption, a cartel and a mafia.
“We cannot guarantee the safety of Gupta employees at our events … we are warning you peacefully here, brothers and sisters.”
Sanef said freedom of the media and freedom of expression were enshrined in the Constitution and called for it to be respected by the EFF.
“A diverse media is essential for a robust and healthy democracy,” it said.
African News Agency
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