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Johannesburg - The newly-established Forum of Journalists for Transformation on Friday added its voice to criticism of the EFF's intimidation of journalists who work for Gupta-owned media organisations.
“What was seemingly meant to be a political jibe at the EFF’s declared enemies inadvertently affected innocent journalists, some of whom happen to be members of our vibrant organisation," forum leader Piet Rampedi said in a statement.
The EFF was victimising already victimised journalists. He said ANN7 and New Age journalists were among the most exploited media workers in the country and the Gupta family paid them "slave wages".
At a press briefing on Thursday, EFF leader Julius Malema said the journalists would no longer be welcome at its events and the party could not guarantee their safety.
"Sisters and brothers in Gupta firms we love you and don't want you to be casualties. We cannot guarantee the safety of those printing New Age and ANN7."
He said the “Zuptas”, as he called the relationship between President Jacob Zuma and the Guptas, were a corrupt cartel.
The New Age and ANN7 editor-in-chief Moegsien Williams criticised Malema's statement.
"All freedom-loving democrats in South Africa should
condemn the leader of the EFF for his utterances and threats against the staff
of The New Age and TV channel ANN7," Williams said in a statement.
The SA National Editors’ Forum said the EFF was entitled to its views about
media owners, but should allow journalists to conduct their work without fear,
in a climate conducive to the free exchange of information.
