Johannesburg - The DA's complaint against journalists who wore ANC attire to the party's 103rd birthday was “frivolous and baseless”, the ruling party said on Thursday.
“As usual the DA has gone on a fishing expedition wanting to demonise anything and anyone that seems to faintly support the African National Congress and congress movement as a whole,” spokesman Zizi Kodwa said in a statement.
“The duplicity and two-facedness that is the DA knows no bounds.”
The ANC welcomed the Press Ombudsman's decision to dismiss the Democratic Alliance's complaint against Independent Newspapers group executive editor Karima Brown and opinion and analysis group editor Vukani Mde.
DA national spokeswoman Phumzile van Damme lodged a complaint against Brown and Vukani.
They were pictured on social networks attending the ANC's 103rd birthday in January wearing party attire.
In response to the Press Ombudsman's decision on Wednesday, Van Damme said the DA believed the Press Code should be reviewed to protect journalistic independence.
The ANC on Thursday said it wanted to remind the DA what freedom of speech meant.
“It does not mean that it is only voices that are anti-ANC that should be heard,” Kodwa said.
“In true form, demonstrating the depth of their desperation, the DA attacks the personal integrity of journalists who over many years have built and sustained their reputations on critical engagement, independent views and utmost professionalism.”
Sapa