South Africa: Women Press Freedom Demands Justice for Assaulted Journalists at Political Rally
Footage shows journalists pushed, kicked, and abused at Jacob Zuma’s rally in Soweto
Location: South Africa, Soweto
Date: May 18, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the harassment, intimidation, and aggressive behavior faced by several women journalists covering former President Jacob Zuma’s MK Party rally. Our analysis of the footage, including that of News24 journalist Amanda Khoza, reveals disturbing physical violence against journalists. Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with our colleagues and demands immediate action to ensure the safety and dignity of all journalists, especially women, in the execution of their duties. We call on the MK Party and its leadership to take responsibility for the actions of their supporters and to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
Several women journalists covering the MK Party rally at Orlando Stadium in Soweto faced harassment, intimidation, and aggressive behavior on May 21, 2024. Footage analyzed by Women Press Freedom, including that of News24 journalist Amanda Khoza, shows journalists and photographers being pushed to the floor, with some women kicked and verbally abused by people in military attire.
The rally took place ahead of next week’s general election, with Mr. Zuma campaigning under the banner of the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. Zuma joined the party after a fallout with the governing African National Congress (ANC), which he once led. He served as president from 2009 to 2018 before being forced out amid allegations of widespread corruption, where hundreds of millions of dollars of public assets were siphoned into private hands. Zuma has denied any direct involvement in corruption but is due to face trial next year on allegations of bribery.
One journalist recounted, “I was pushed aside by a man who touched my breasts as he aggressively wanted to make way for the arrival of Jacob Zuma.” This incident was among numerous complaints from journalists, particularly women, who reported being manhandled, shoved, and verbally assaulted.
“Most of our journalists tend to run towards hazards and danger as part of their job, and when in high-risk situations they may consider aggressive treatment and shoving light treatment,” wrote William Bird, the director of Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), and Thandi Smith, who heads the policy and quality program at MMA, a partner in the 411 platform to counter disinformation. “But the MK Party rally was a highly organized event and, while possibly controversial, there was no suggestion of any risk or imminent harm that would have possibly mitigated media being manhandled and assaulted.”
SANEF, the South African National Editors’ Forum, condemned the treatment of journalists at the rally, stating, “Journalists must be given the space to do their work without being disrespected or abused – particularly female journalists who continue to be intimidated, bullied, harassed, and face horrendous, misogynistic treatment from some of the supporters, and sometimes the leaders, of political parties.”
Women Press Freedom echoes this condemnation and calls for immediate action to protect journalists, especially women, who are disproportionately targeted with gender-based violence. We urge political parties to ensure the safety and dignity of journalists at their events and to hold accountable those responsible for such reprehensible actions. The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, and it is imperative that all journalists can perform their duties without fear of harassment or violence.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.