Eminem bans local media

“Sanef condemns in the strongest terms the ban on photographers from newspapers and other media organisations,” deputy chairperson Makhudu Sefara said in a statement.

“Days before the event, newspapers were informed that Eminem does not allow media photographers or video operators to photograph his performance on show night.”

He performed in Cape Town on Wednesday and was due to perform in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The media were told his international management would supply pictures and video material of the show night.

Sefara said Sanef maintained the ban on media photographers was unacceptable censorship of the media.

According to Sanef, Eminem allowed photographers from the media and video crews to be admitted to certain sections of the concert venue from where they would be able to take pictures of supporting acts after which they would be escorted out of the stadium or taken to a lock up facility for equipment.

“This is a totally unacceptable condition of entry. Sanef has protested in the past at attempts by organisers of events to impose similar bans on media photographers.

“The ban is a direct violation of the South African Constitution which enshrines freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Clause 16,” he said.

Sefara said Sanef only became aware of the ban when it was too late to make representations to the Eminem management.

– Sapa