SAFREA supports investigation into Wa Afrika arrest

10 Sep 2010

The Southern African Freelancers' Association (SAFREA) has lauded the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for dropping charges against Sunday Times journalist Mzilikazi Wa Afrika, but is concerned that the charges have been withdrawn provisionally and supports calls for an investigation into the circumstances of Wa Afrika's arrest.

SA freedom ranking drops

According to a report in The Independent (3 September 2010), South Africa's freedom ranking at the United States' Freedom House has dropped to "partly free" for the first time since 1994, based on information gathered even before the proposed media tribunal and changes to the Protection of Information Act were announced. The drop in ranking was based on "an increase in hostile rhetoric towards the media on the part of government officials and government encroachment on the independence of the South African Broadcasting Corporation".

Freelance workers at risk

SAFREA believes that in this climate of hostility towards media workers, the outcome of Mzilikazi wa Afrika's case is critical. According to the organisation, freelance media workers face great personal risk if the proposed tightening of controls takes place, since they do not have an employer to support them in a legal dispute. Members therefore recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of Safrea becoming a signatory to two civil rights coalitions: Coalition for Free Speech (led by the South African National Editors' Forum) and Right2Know.

International support

SAFREA conveyed its gratitude to Associated Press, Bloomberg, Reuters and other international news agencies for voicing their concerns this week about the future of press freedom and freedom of expression in South Africa. Members hope that the continued pressure on the South African government will result in mutually-acceptable rules of engagement.