As South Africa gears up for the upcoming general elections in 2024, concerns over the safety and protection of journalists have taken center stage. Despite constitutional provisions advocating for media freedom, industry practitioners are voicing their worries, highlighting the challenges faced during the 2021 elections.
Addressing a virtual panel discussion on “Violence against Journalists and the Integrity of Elections,” hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Hopewell Radebe, the Acting Gauteng Regional Convenor of the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), emphasized the unsettling experiences journalists encountered during the previous elections.
Journalists faced danger, being expelled from working areas, subjected to humiliation, and even threatened with violence while performing their duties. – stated Radebe.
He underscored that the danger often emanates not only from individuals but also from political parties, which sometimes target journalists for providing a platform for public opinion and criticism.
Radebe highlighted a disturbing trend where criminals target journalists in the field, robbing them of essential tools such as cellphones and cameras. The discussion also shed light on the increasing abuse and attacks on journalists through social media, prompting calls for a clear stance from government institutions.
Former Director for Freedom of Expression and Media Development at UNESCO, Prof Guy Berger, stressed the importance of differentiating between criticism and intimidation. He urged the GCIS and the government to condemn attacks on journalists promptly, emphasizing the need to distinguish online criticism from serious threats or harm to individuals and their families.
Referring to the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, Berger emphasized the need for the protection and prosecution of those attacking journalists. The plan aims to create a secure environment for journalists in both conflict and non-conflict situations, promoting peace, democracy, and development globally.
Radebe disclosed that SANEF, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), has been proactive in preparing journalists for the upcoming elections. Training sessions focus on understanding the election environment, rules, and regulations. The collaboration extends to working with the police to identify hotspots and tense areas during elections, ensuring journalists are adequately prepared.
Despite these initiatives, Radebe warned of a concerning trend where certain members of the public resist journalists’ presence, particularly in campaign scenarios. He stressed the need for fair, accurate, and balanced reporting as journalists face increasing challenges in delivering unbiased news to the public during election campaigns.
