Condemnation of State Security Agency’s Attempt to Vet SABC Head of News

South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), SOS

Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) and the Campaign for Freedom of Expression

(CFE) —express our grave concern over recent revelations in the City Press (28 April 2024)

regarding the State Security Agency’s (SSA) attempt to yet again vet, Moshoeshoe Monare,

the Head of News at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

This move by the SSA undermines the fundamental principles of media and editorial

independence and freedom of the press. While the SABC may be a deemed a Critical

Infrastructure in terms of the Critical Infrastructure Act, the Act is focused on the vetting of

security personnel and not journalists. While parliament did not accede to our requests

during deliberations on the Bill that SABC journalists were to be specifically excluded, it is

clear from the definition and aims of the Act that journalists are not included, and that

vetting is for security personnel only.

Despite the clear threat to media freedom that the request to vet Monare poses, it is mind

boggling and ridiculous that the request should come when the head of news has occupied

the position for nearly two years! It is even more worrying that it comes just a month ahead

of elections. As organisations committed to upholding media freedom, journalistic integrity

and safeguarding the public’s right to accurate information, we condemn this action

unequivocally.

Accordingly, we call for immediate action:

1. SABC Board: As the body responsible for the SABC, we urge the SABC Board to

publicly condemn any interference in its editorial processes and to uphold their

responsibility to protect the independence of the SABC. The Head of News must be

shielded from external pressures and political interference and be allowed to

perform his editorial duties without fear or favour.

2. Minister in the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT):

We 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: We implore the Presidency to join us in condemning this intrusion into

the SABC’s affairs. The public deserves transparency and accountability, and we

expect the highest office in the land to uphold these principles.

During an election period, it is even more critical that media are able to perform their duties

without fear and intimidation. A politically compromised media is at risk of undermining a

credible, free and fair election. We need to ensure, at all costs, that media, especially the

public broadcaster are protected from any form of intimidation and threat.

We demand that the Minister and the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, identify the

person (s) responsible for this interference and commit to swift disciplinary action. Those

who seek to undermine media freedom must be held accountable.

For more:Reggy Moalusi – SANEF – +2771 682 3695

William Bird – MMA – +2782 887 1370 or Thandi Smith +2773 470 7306

Uyanda Siyotula – SOS – + 2760 691 2462

Anton Harber – CFE – +2783 303 9497