The South African Editors' Forum (Sanef) has expressed concern over the safety of journalists during election campaigns, citing an increase in attacks on journalists, particularly female journalists, who are targeted for online harassment and intimidation. Sanef made these remarks in light of the upcoming local government elections on November 4. The organization had submitted recommendations to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on these issues, but they were not included in the final electoral code of conduct.
Sanef is disappointed that the final code does not explicitly recognize the safety of journalists and media freedom as essential components of the country's electoral system. This omission means that political parties, independent candidates, and their supporters are not specifically obligated to protect journalists from intimidation, harassment, threats, and cyberbullying during election campaigns. Sanef believes that this gap needs to be addressed to strengthen the protection of journalists and uphold the constitutional principles of media freedom and freedom of expression.
According to Sanef, attacks on journalists are on the rise, and female journalists are particularly vulnerable to targeted abuse and harassment on online platforms. The organization hopes to address this gap and strengthen the protection of journalists. Sanef's concerns align with recent recommendations from the South African Human Rights Commission on media freedom. The commission has also joined the national call to end violence against women.
Sanef has condemned the murders of women across the country and called on the police and the criminal justice system to investigate these cases quickly and bring those responsible to justice. The organization has also expressed its support for the Eritrea 16, a group of journalists who have been detained without trial in Eritrea for 25 years. They were arrested in September 2001 after private newspapers in the country were shut down.
Sanef will send a formal letter to the Eritrean ambassador in Pretoria, requesting the release of the 16 journalists. The organization is also calling on the Eritrean government to disclose their whereabouts and well-being and to grant their families and legal representatives access to them. Sanef's actions are aimed at promoting the safety and freedom of journalists, both locally and internationally.
The organization believes that protecting journalists is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy and ensuring that citizens have access to accurate and unbiased information. Sanef's concerns about journalist safety are part of a broader effort to promote media freedom and freedom of expression in South Africa. The organization will continue to advocate for the rights of journalists and the importance of a free and independent press.
Sanef's efforts to promote journalist safety and media freedom have been ongoing, with the organization working closely with other stakeholders to address these issues. The upcoming local government elections will provide a critical test of the measures in place to protect journalists and ensure their safety during election campaigns. Sanef will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the rights of journalists.
Key points
- Sanef expresses concern over journalist safety ahead of elections
- Attacks on journalists, particularly female journalists, are on the rise
- Sanef calls for the release of the Eritrea 16, journalists detained for 25 years
