CPJ expresses alarm at scrutiny of South Africa broadcasting chief ahead of general election News
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CPJ expresses alarm at scrutiny of South Africa broadcasting chief ahead of general election

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed alarm Monday about a request from South Africa’s State Security Agency (SSA) to subject South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) editor-in-chief, Moshoeshoe Monare, to additional security screening, including a polygraph test.

The situation unfolded following a leaked audio recording of President Cyril Ramaphosa expressing dissatisfaction with media coverage of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and advocating for favorable campaign messaging. Monare’s sudden vetting, occurring mere weeks before the election, has elicited scrutiny and accusations of political interference.

Monare has expressed willingness to comply with vetting procedures, but questioned the necessity of a polygraph test. Media watchdogs and civil society groups have voiced reservations, arguing that journalists should be shielded from such processes to prevent undue influence on media operations, particularly during critical events like elections. South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) and the Campaign for Freedom of Expression (CFE) had previously expressed “grave concern” about the situation.

SANEF, alongside other media monitoring organizations, has called on the SABC board to affirm its commitment to editorial independence and urged Communications Minister Mondli Gungubele to ensure protection against political interference.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says that South Africa’s “media landscape is diverse, sturdy and dynamic,” but that “political tension sometimes gives rise to disinformation or smear campaigns against media outlets.”

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