The future freedom of journalists in South Africa

The arrest of Mzilikazi wa Afrika, a Sunday Times journalist, has led to much argument within the Southern Africa media industry. Although there is no clear reason why Mr. wa Afrika is alleged. Even General Bheki Cele could not provide a soluble reason for suing Mr. wa Afrika. It is clear that Sunday Times has suspended wa Africa for they want to appear clean before the South African law, although they cannot tell a reason for his suspension or it that they fear ANC, the leading party that it would obliterate them as an official news reporter. I t is not for the reporting issue or there is a hidden scandal --they should be standing by wa Afrika’s side.

South African journalists will not retain their freedom if their representatives are diffident to tackle this matter; they are petrified to confront the ruling party for it is mainly the ANC giving directions on how news reporting should be conducted. ANC has lately turned into be journalism ethics. ANC is using powers to pull away the freedom of journalist in our nation. The ANC Youth League has come forward to support what they call “new media laws” for they know that it will limit the media industry-mainly journalist on reporting truths’ about what is happening in our democratic elected and ruling government.

Zwelinzima Vavi refused to comment on this matter of wa Afrika because he would be against the law “ANC law” which is giving directions for the media. Lots arguments rose after Zizi Kodwa, president Jacob Zuma spokes person refused to tell what proceedings has been made in a private meeting he just diverted it to ANC’s Secretary General Gwede Mantashe.

The arrest of Mr. wa Afrika is an attempt to silence independent print media on reporting disgrace the current government is practising. There is a lot of happenings unclothed by the media that led South African law to take actions, it would have been not taken into consideration if it was not reported.

SA Media need people like Tokyo Sexwale who are not afraid to speak-out the truth although maybe a debate after it, but it will stand the truth forever. What is done by the ruling party is overall an intimidation of the media freedom.