Media Watchdogs Condemn State Security Agency’s Attempt to Vet SABC Head of News

Several prominent media organizations, including the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS), and the Campaign for Freedom of Expression (CFE), have voiced their strong condemnation following revelations in the City Press (28 April 2024) regarding the State Security Agency’s (SSA) attempt to vet Moshoeshoe Monare, the Head of News at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

This move by the SSA has sparked outrage, with critics arguing that it undermines the fundamental principles of media and editorial independence, as well as the freedom of the press. While the SABC is deemed a Critical Infrastructure under the Critical Infrastructure Act, media watchdogs stress that the Act primarily focuses on the vetting of security personnel, not journalists. Despite this, the request to vet Monare has raised serious concerns about potential political interference and intimidation within the media landscape.

The timing of the request, just a month ahead of elections, has exacerbated anxieties about the integrity of journalistic independence. Organizations dedicated to upholding media freedom and ensuring the public’s right to accurate information have unequivocally condemned this action. They argue that it poses a clear threat to media freedom and the integrity of the electoral process.

In response to these developments, the media organizations have called for immediate action:

1. SABC Board: They urge the SABC Board to publicly denounce any interference in its editorial processes and uphold its responsibility to protect the independence of the SABC. The Head of News must be shielded from external pressures and allowed to perform editorial duties without fear or favor.

2. Minister in the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT): They call upon the Minister to publicly denounce this attempt to compromise media independence. The DCDT plays a crucial role in ensuring a free and vibrant media landscape, and any actions that undermine this must be addressed promptly.

3. Presidency: They implore the Presidency to join in condemning this intrusion into the SABC’s affairs. The public deserves transparency and accountability, and the highest office in the land must uphold these principles.

As the country approaches an election period, the ability of the media to operate without fear or intimidation is crucial for ensuring a credible, free, and fair election. Any compromise to media independence risks undermining the integrity of the electoral process. The organizations demand that the Minister and the Presidency identify those responsible for this interference and commit to swift disciplinary action. Holding individuals accountable for undermining media freedom is essential to safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring a free press in South Africa.