A coalition of South Africa's leading media freedom organisations has warned that journalists covering the demonstrations are increasingly becoming targets of intimidation, harassment and threats.
Image: Sipho Jack
Amid mounting fears of anti-migrant violence ahead of planned nationwide protests on 30 June, a coalition of South Africa's leading media freedom organisations has warned that journalists covering the demonstrations are increasingly becoming targets of intimidation, harassment and threats alongside the foreign nationals at the centre of the unrest.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the coalition condemned what it described as escalating attacks on migrants and growing attempts to silence journalists documenting the unfolding events.
The organisations said the situation has become increasingly volatile following recent protests and violent incidents, including the killing of 29-year-old Malawian national Mishack Banda in Pietermaritzburg on June 19.
"Recent protests and incidents of violence, including assaults and the killing of Mishack Banda, have heightened concerns about the risk of wider unrest," the coalition said.
It added that journalists covering these demonstrations have been subjected to intimidation, physical obstruction and threats aimed at preventing them from reporting.
"In some cases, reporters covering these protests have faced demands that they delete their footage, attempts to seize their equipment, and been threatened with violence for documenting attacks."
The coalition also accused the protest movement March and March of using social media to single out individual journalists, saying the campaign has encouraged supporters to identify and target members of the media.
"March and March has also used social media platforms to identify individual journalists and encouraged supporters to do the same in a blatant attempt to intimidate and harass them," the statement said.
It added that several journalists have since reported intimidation, harassment and what it described as criminal incitement to harm them following the social media posts.
The organisations called on March and March to immediately stop publicly targeting journalists and urged political parties and public representatives supporting the campaign to distance themselves from any rhetoric that could fuel hostility or violence.
"The coalition condemns both the targeting of foreign nationals and attacks on media freedom in the strongest terms," it said.
"It calls on March and March to immediately cease publicly targeting journalists and to refrain from any conduct that could expose reporters to intimidation or harm."
The coalition further urged politicians aligned with the campaign to reject any statements that could encourage violence against migrants or members of the media.
Law enforcement agencies were also called upon to protect both vulnerable communities and journalists covering the protests.
"Law enforcement agencies must ensure that everyone is protected from violence and intimidation, that journalists can work safely and without interference, and that those responsible for threats, intimidation, assaults and incitement to violence are investigated, arrested and held accountable."
The organisations warned that attacks on journalists undermine public accountability during periods of heightened tension.
"Independent reporting is especially vital at moments of heightened tension and uncertainty. Journalists serve as the public's eyes and ears, documenting events, exposing abuses and holding authorities accountable," the statement said.
The coalition cautioned that efforts to intimidate reporters not only endanger media workers but also deprive the public of vital information.
"Efforts to intimidate reporters and suppress coverage not only endanger media workers but also deprive the public of critical information, creating conditions in which violence and impunity can thrive unchecked and making it more difficult to protect vulnerable communities at risk."
It added that attempts to remove journalists from protest scenes often serve to conceal wrongdoing.
"Those who seek to drive cameras and witnesses away are often those who do not want the public to see what is done in South Africa's name. When those documenting intimidation and violence are themselves targeted, a key safeguard against abuse is weakened."
The coalition reaffirmed that everyone in South Africa, regardless of nationality or immigration status, is entitled to equal protection under the Constitution and the law.
"The coalition reiterates that everyone in South Africa is entitled to equal protection under the law and to freedom and security of the person, irrespective of nationality or immigration status."
It stressed that public frustrations cannot justify vigilantism or attacks on vulnerable people.
"No grievance, however sincerely held, can justify violence, vigilantism or the targeting of vulnerable members of our communities."
The statement comes as tensions continue to build ahead of the self-imposed June 30 deadline announced by March and March and allied groups, which have called for demonstrations demanding stricter action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Civil society organisations, religious leaders, labour groups and human rights bodies have increasingly expressed concern that the rhetoric surrounding the campaign risks inflaming xenophobic violence similar to outbreaks seen in South Africa in previous years.
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