By Masibongwe Sihlahla
I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage at the Press Council's recent actions, which bear a disturbing resemblance to those of the Censor Board under apartheid.
As an independent writer and political commentator I have sent the last article of Adri Senekal de Wet to ten of my colleagues countrywide, thinking that one or two would support the article. I was very surprised that out of the ten, seven supported the article of Adri Senekal de Wet against the Press Council; in fact one of them called it the Press Gang Council as it appears media are being pressganged into pushing one line only. The colleagues I am talking about are all media pundits, dedicated observers of the media, and some are scholars. In the light of this knowledge I am compelled to speak out against the Council's attempts to stifle free expression and silence dissenting voices.
The Council's ruling against Independent Media, concerning Karyn Maughan and News24, is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and censorship. The flawed process that led to this ruling, replete with procedural irregularities and apparent bias, is a clear violation of the principles of fairness and justice. When Human Rights Watch reads these outcomes of the Press Council they can only conclude that we are becoming a banana republic unless government reigns in these watchdogs of the Press Council.
In the past, the Censor Board under apartheid in the days of P.W. Botha wielded its power to silence critics, stifle dissent, and perpetuate a narrative that served the interests of the ruling elite. Today, it appears that the Press Council is following in those footsteps, using its authority to muzzle voices that challenge the status quo and promote a diverse range of opinions. When Media24 who harks back to the good old days of apartheid when they could write any lies against the mass democratic movement cannot tolerate the truth they make use of their big business influences, how else did the puzzling ruling of the Press Council in the face of clear facts come about?
As an independent writer for Independent Media I am constantly reminded by Adri Senekal de Wet that they are always committed to upholding the values of press freedom, free speech, and journalistic integrity. To their credit I can testify that they have consistently provided a platform for all progressive voices, without exception, and have refused to be swayed by external pressures or interests. The Press Council's attempts to silence Independent Media , and others like them who fearlessly speak truth to power, is a threat not only to Independent Media and those who fearlessly stand for the truth but to the very fabric of our democracy.
I am reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela, who once said: "A critical, independent, and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy." The Press Council's actions are a direct challenge to this fundamental principle, and it is our duty as journalists, as citizens, and as guardians of democracy to speak out against them.
I urge the Press Council to reconsider its approach and to take immediate steps to restore its credibility and impartiality. The Council must recognise the importance of press freedom and the role it plays in promoting a healthy, vibrant, and diverse public discourse.
Those of us who have fought against the NATS will not be intimidated or coerced into submission. We will continue to report fearlessly, without bias or interference, and will fight tirelessly to protect the rights of all progressive writers who puts the interests of the people first and also the freedom of the press. Too many have died in the fight against apartheid for a free press to give up now just because Media24 does not want to give up their apartheid privileges.
In looking ahead I want to conclude by quoting the wise words of Justice Louis Brandeis, who said: "The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding."
The Press Council's actions are a clear example of this insidious encroachment, and it is our duty to resist it.
* Masibongwe Sihlahla is an independent writer and political commentator.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.