More than a dozen South African journalists targeted as anti-migrant deadline looms
South African journalist Sakhiseni Nxumalo was reporting on an anti-migrant march, which turned into a deadly attack on foreign nationals, when he himself became a target because of his dark skin. He is one of at least 15 journalists targeted in South Africa in recent months, CPJ’s reporting found. Nxumalo, who works for the digital…
South African court rules that criminal defamation is in line with constitution
Cape Town, South Africa, December 5, 2014–The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the decision by the Pretoria High Court in South Africa to uphold journalist Cecil Motsepe’s appeal against a conviction of criminal defamation, but disapproves of the court’s ruling that the crime of defamation for journalists falls in line with South Africa’s constitution. Motsepe,…
Mandela’s Legacy of Media Freedom Stands Its Ground
How robust are the institutional safeguards that underpin Nelson Mandela’s vision of a strong and independent South African media? By Sue Valentine Nelson Mandela, pictured in May 2011, sometimes accused critical black journalists of disloyalty during his presidency. (AFP/Elmond Jiyane)