Dear Editor
The DA condemns in the strongest terms any attempt by the state or government officials to suppress media freedom and accountability in South Africa as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
This after the recent remarks by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who called for journalists to be investigated by the State Security Agency and even face imprisonment for so-called “misinformation”.
Media freedom, a cornerstone of our country’s democracy and any attempts by the state to intimidate, silence, or criminalise journalists attack the principles that support our free society.
Our country’s progress has been driven by journalists who, over the years, exposed corruption and state capture. Journalists have been at the forefront in uncovering the looting of public funds, as in the Tembisa scandal, as well as exposing municipal failures.
Media freedom must always be accompanied by responsibility and the press has a responsibility to abide by the press code and the press council. The DA supports press self-regulation. South Africa’s journalists and media houses must continue to safeguard their credibility through accuracy, fairness, and ethical integrity, as well as recourse through the press council.
The DA will continue to defend the independence of the press, the safety of journalists, and the public’s right to the truth, because without a free press, there can be no free South Africa.
Regards
Willie Aucamp MP
DA National Spokesperson