The KwaZulu-Natal Government has appealed to residents to protect and grant the media space to work.
This follows an incident on April 4 in the Ekajuluken area near Ulundi, where four SABC journalists on assignment with District Mayor, Thulasiqwe Buthlezi, were prevented from leaving the area by furious residents.
The journalists had interviewed residents earlier on service delivery complaints.
After the interviews and recordings were complete, with the Mayor opting to stay behind, a group of approximately 50 residents blocked the road with stones and prevented the journalists from leaving, demanding water and for the District Mayor to address them.
Cllr Buthelezi arrived a few minutes later to intervene, promising to return with the Ward Councillor.
In a media release issued after the incident, the KZN Government called on residents to give the media space to work during the national lockdown and beyond, while the Premier of KZN, Sihle Zikalala has directed the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Bheki Ntuli to take urgent steps in ensuring the media’s safety.
“Any form of threats and violence directed to the media is viewed as a threat to our freedom and our young democracy. We strongly condemn such acts, and we call on our people to allow members of the media to do their work without fear of prejudice. The basic tenets of our democracy is built on the principle of fairness, transparency and openness. We have directed police management to give necessary support to media personnel covering the coronavirus pandemic during the 21-day lockdown. The provincial Government appreciates the role the media is playing during this difficult time, by keeping the nation updated,” stated MEC Ntuli.
The MEC further urged members of the media to report to the police when faced with possible threats, which could impact on their work and their safety.
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