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Under [[Jacob Zuma]] the ANC has expressed open opposition to media freedom.<ref>[http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-06-18-jacob-zuma-and-the-second-transition-the-print-media Jacob Zuma and the second transition: The print media], Mandy de Waal, ''The Daily Maverick'', 18 June 2012</ref> Serious concern has been expressed about the proposed [[Media Appeals Tribunal]] and [[Protection of Information Bill]] which, if passed, would significantly reduce press freedom.<ref>[http://www.fxi.org.za/content/view/217/1/ FXI makes submissions to Parliament on the Protection of Information Bill]</ref><ref>[http://www.sacsis.org.za/site/article/652.1 The Real Fear Factor: Secrecy as the Mask of Power], Dr. Dale T. McKinley, ''South African Civil Society Information Services'', 11 April 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.hrw.org/node/94480 Revise Protection of Information Bill ], ‘’Human Rights Watch’’, November 2010</ref><ref name="Amnesty red flag police brutality">[http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/amnesty-red-flag-police-brutality-1.1068706 Amnesty red flag police brutality], Craig Dodds, 13 May 2011</ref><ref name="amnesty.org">[http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/south-africa/report-2011 Amnesty International South Africa Report 2011]</ref><ref>[http://www.sacsis.org.za/site/article/685.1 The Secrecy Bill: Speak Now or Forever be Gagged], by Dale T. McKinley, ''SACSIS'', 8 June 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.sacsis.org.za/site/article/599.1 The 'Gatvol' Factor], Jane Duncan, ''SACSIS, January 2011</ref>
Under [[Jacob Zuma]] the ANC has expressed open opposition to media freedom.<ref>[http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-06-18-jacob-zuma-and-the-second-transition-the-print-media Jacob Zuma and the second transition: The print media], Mandy de Waal, ''The Daily Maverick'', 18 June 2012</ref> Serious concern has been expressed about the proposed [[Media Appeals Tribunal]] and [[Protection of Information Bill]] which, if passed, would significantly reduce press freedom.<ref>[http://www.fxi.org.za/content/view/217/1/ FXI makes submissions to Parliament on the Protection of Information Bill]</ref><ref>[http://www.sacsis.org.za/site/article/652.1 The Real Fear Factor: Secrecy as the Mask of Power], Dr. Dale T. McKinley, ''South African Civil Society Information Services'', 11 April 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.hrw.org/node/94480 Revise Protection of Information Bill ], ‘’Human Rights Watch’’, November 2010</ref><ref name="Amnesty red flag police brutality">[http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/amnesty-red-flag-police-brutality-1.1068706 Amnesty red flag police brutality], Craig Dodds, 13 May 2011</ref><ref name="amnesty.org">[http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/south-africa/report-2011 Amnesty International South Africa Report 2011]</ref><ref>[http://www.sacsis.org.za/site/article/685.1 The Secrecy Bill: Speak Now or Forever be Gagged], by Dale T. McKinley, ''SACSIS'', 8 June 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.sacsis.org.za/site/article/599.1 The 'Gatvol' Factor], Jane Duncan, ''SACSIS, January 2011</ref>


There have been a number of reports of serious intimidation of journalists.<ref>[http://www.thedailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-07-06-anc-ratchets-up-its-anti-media-campaign-in-provinces ANC ratchets up its anti-media campaign in provinces], Mandy de Waal, ''The Daily Maverick'', 6 July 2011</ref> In [[Port Elizabeth]] the chairperson of the ruling [[African National Congress]], Nceba Faku, has called for party supporters to burn down the offices of the local newspaper the ''Daily Dispatch''.<ref>[http://www.dispatch.co.za/news/article/1297 Faku: Burn down the press], LUYOLO MKENTANE, ''The Daily Dispatch'', 20 May 2011</ref> In Durban ANC supporters have publicly burnt copies of the ''City Press'' newspaper.<ref>[http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/spear-fury-shatters-haffajee-1.1306097?ot=inmsa.ArticlePrintPageLayout.ot ‘Spear’ fury shatters Haffajee], Shain Germaner, ''IOL'', 28 May 2012 </ref> In 2007 the Freedom of Expression Institute and the ''Mercury'' newspaper reported a death threat against a journalist in Durban by controversial local businessman Ricky Govender who claims close links with [[Jacob Zuma]].<ref>[http://abahlali.org/node/2183 Police repression in Protea South an indicator of a national trend], Freedom of Expression Institute, 5 September 2007</ref> Piet Rampedi and Adriaan Bassoon was subject to various threats and forms of intimidation while covering a story on corruption by [[Julius Malema]].<ref>[http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-07-23-the-price-of-investigating-malema The price of investigating Julius Malema], Greg Nicholson, ''The Daily Maverick'', 23 July 2012</ref> In July 2012 Nic Dawes and Sam Sole, journalists at the ''Mail & Guardian'', were questioned by the police following the publication of a story alleging corruption by senior ANC leader [[Mac Maharaj]].<ref>[http://mg.co.za/article/2012-07-26-mg-journalists-suspects-in-criminal-investigation M&G journalists warned of criminal charges], Phillip de Wet, ''Mail & Guardian'', 26 July 2012</ref>
There have been a number of reports of serious intimidation of journalists.<ref>[http://www.thedailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-07-06-anc-ratchets-up-its-anti-media-campaign-in-provinces ANC ratchets up its anti-media campaign in provinces], Mandy de Waal, ''The Daily Maverick'', 6 July 2011</ref> In [[Port Elizabeth]] the chairperson of the ruling [[African National Congress]], Nceba Faku, has called for party supporters to burn down the offices of the local newspaper the ''Daily Dispatch''.<ref>[http://www.dispatch.co.za/news/article/1297 Faku: Burn down the press], LUYOLO MKENTANE, ''The Daily Dispatch'', 20 May 2011</ref> In Durban ANC supporters have publicly burnt copies of the ''City Press'' newspaper.<ref>[http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/spear-fury-shatters-haffajee-1.1306097?ot=inmsa.ArticlePrintPageLayout.ot ‘Spear’ fury shatters Haffajee], Shain Germaner, ''IOL'', 28 May 2012 </ref> In 2007 the Freedom of Expression Institute and the ''Mercury'' newspaper reported a death threat against a journalist in Durban by controversial local businessman Ricky Govender who claims close links with [[Jacob Zuma]].<ref>[http://abahlali.org/node/2183 Police repression in Protea South an indicator of a national trend], Freedom of Expression Institute, 5 September 2007</ref> Piet Rampedi and Adriaan Bassoon was subject to various threats and forms of intimidation while covering a story on corruption by [[Julius Malema]].<ref>[http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-07-23-the-price-of-investigating-malema The price of investigating Julius Malema], Greg Nicholson, ''The Daily Maverick'', 23 July 2012</ref> In July 2012 Nic Dawes, Sam Sole and Stefaans Brummer, journalists at the ''Mail & Guardian'', were questioned by the police following the publication of a story alleging corruption by senior ANC leader [[Mac Maharaj]].<ref>[http://mg.co.za/article/2012-07-26-mg-journalists-suspects-in-criminal-investigation M&G journalists warned of criminal charges], Phillip de Wet, ''Mail & Guardian'', 26 July 2012</ref>


==Unlawful State Bans on Protests==
==Unlawful State Bans on Protests==

Revision as of 10:07, 31 July 2012

South Africa has a liberal constitution that protects all basic political freedoms. However there have been a number of incidents of political repression as well as threats of future repression in violation of this constitution leading some analysts, civil society organisations and popular movements to conclude that there is or could be a new climate of political repression[1][2] or a decline in political tolerance.[3] Some have linked this to an increase in the influence of the 'security cluster' under the Jacob Zuma presidency.[4] It has been argued that "Zuma has enhanced the coercive capacity of the state".[5]

Threats to Media Freedom

Under Jacob Zuma the ANC has expressed open opposition to media freedom.[6] Serious concern has been expressed about the proposed Media Appeals Tribunal and Protection of Information Bill which, if passed, would significantly reduce press freedom.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

There have been a number of reports of serious intimidation of journalists.[14] In Port Elizabeth the chairperson of the ruling African National Congress, Nceba Faku, has called for party supporters to burn down the offices of the local newspaper the Daily Dispatch.[15] In Durban ANC supporters have publicly burnt copies of the City Press newspaper.[16] In 2007 the Freedom of Expression Institute and the Mercury newspaper reported a death threat against a journalist in Durban by controversial local businessman Ricky Govender who claims close links with Jacob Zuma.[17] Piet Rampedi and Adriaan Bassoon was subject to various threats and forms of intimidation while covering a story on corruption by Julius Malema.[18] In July 2012 Nic Dawes, Sam Sole and Stefaans Brummer, journalists at the Mail & Guardian, were questioned by the police following the publication of a story alleging corruption by senior ANC leader Mac Maharaj.[19]

Unlawful State Bans on Protests

There have been a number of independently documented cases where the constitutionally protected right to protest has not been honoured by the state.[20][21][22][23] One particularly well documented instance occurred in Durban in 2006[24] and another in Cape Town in 2012.[25] It has been argued that both Democratic Alliance and African National Congress controlled municipalities engage in unlawful bans on the right to protest.[26] It has also been suggested that recent judicial interventions amount to a de facto curtailment of the right to protest.[27]

Police Repression

Militarisation of the Police

The police, which were demilitarised after apartheid have been remilitarised.[28] In the view of some analysts this has contributed to escalating repression.[29] Concern has also been expressed at the idea that the army should support the police in containing popular protest.[30]

There have been numerous allegations from activists in grassroots social movements about assaults at the hands of the police.[31] For instance it was reported that S'bu Zikode and Philani Zungu were arrested and assaulted while on the way to a radio interview in 2006.[32] In September 2010 four residents of Hangberg, in Hout Bay, near Cape Town were shot in the face at close range by police with rubber bullets leading to the loss of their eyes.[33] In January 2012 it was reported that Ayanda Kota was assaulted in the Grahamstown police station.[34][35]

Police Harassment of Journalists

In 2010 journalists Mzilikazi waAfrika was arrested at the offices of the Sunday Times. Charges against him were later dropped.[36] waAfrika's phone was also unlawfully tapped by the police.[37]

Police Torture of Activists

There has been general concern about police torture in South Africa[10][11], which has been described as "occurring en masse" and "spiralling out of control",[38] and organisations such as the Landless People's Movement[39] have documented cases in which activists and protesters have been tortured.[40][41] There were media reports of police torture of activists in Wessleton, Ermelo, in 2011.[42][43]

People killed by the police during protests

A number of unarmed protesters have been killed by the South African Police Service since 2000.[44] The ICD has reported a rise in police violence against protesters since 2010.[45] The following list is not complete:

Political Violence Against Activists

Organisations such as the Landless People's Movement[68], Abahlali baseMjondolo[69][70][71] and the Unemployed People's Movement[72][73] have been subject to armed political violence by groups claiming to represent the ruling ANC. There have also been cases where ANC supporters have disrupted protests organised by independent groups. One example of this was the attempt to disrupt a protest by the the Moretele Concerned Communities Association in May 2012.[74]

Death Threats Against Activists

There have been reports of death threats against activists in Ermelo (2011),[75], in Grahamstown (2011)[76], in eTwatwa on the East Rand (2010),[77] and in Durban (2006, 2009, 2012).[70][71][78][79][80][81]

Unsolved Murders of Activists Claimed to be Political Assassinations

  • Sinethemba Myeni, 12 April 2006, Umlazi, Durban, independent activist (former SACP)[82]
  • Mazwi 'Komi' Zulu, 3 May 2006, Umlazi, Durban, independent activist (former SACP)[83]
  • Bomber 'Radioman' Ntshangase, 4 May 2012, Mpumlanga, SACP leader, Mpumalanga[84]

Political Violence by MK Veterans

  • Alpheus Moseri (68) collapsed and died following an assault by MK Veterans at a lecture given by Jacob Zuma[85]

Also See

Further reading

Notes and references

  1. ^ The Return of State Repression, Professor J. Duncan, South African Civil Society Information Services, 31 May 2010
  2. ^ Increasing police repression highlighted by recent cases, Freedom of Expression Institute, 2006
  3. ^ Political tolerance on the wane in South Africa, Imraan Buccus, SA Reconciliation Barometer, 2011
  4. ^ Jane Duncan on the ever-increasing power of SA's security cabal, Mandy de Waal, The Daily Maverick, 16 June 2011
  5. ^ The 'Gatvol' Factor, Jane Duncan, SACSIS, January 2011
  6. ^ Jacob Zuma and the second transition: The print media, Mandy de Waal, The Daily Maverick, 18 June 2012
  7. ^ FXI makes submissions to Parliament on the Protection of Information Bill
  8. ^ The Real Fear Factor: Secrecy as the Mask of Power, Dr. Dale T. McKinley, South African Civil Society Information Services, 11 April 2011
  9. ^ Revise Protection of Information Bill , ‘’Human Rights Watch’’, November 2010
  10. ^ a b Amnesty red flag police brutality, Craig Dodds, 13 May 2011
  11. ^ a b Amnesty International South Africa Report 2011
  12. ^ The Secrecy Bill: Speak Now or Forever be Gagged, by Dale T. McKinley, SACSIS, 8 June 2011
  13. ^ The 'Gatvol' Factor, Jane Duncan, SACSIS, January 2011
  14. ^ ANC ratchets up its anti-media campaign in provinces, Mandy de Waal, The Daily Maverick, 6 July 2011
  15. ^ Faku: Burn down the press, LUYOLO MKENTANE, The Daily Dispatch, 20 May 2011
  16. ^ ‘Spear’ fury shatters Haffajee, Shain Germaner, IOL, 28 May 2012
  17. ^ Police repression in Protea South an indicator of a national trend, Freedom of Expression Institute, 5 September 2007
  18. ^ The price of investigating Julius Malema, Greg Nicholson, The Daily Maverick, 23 July 2012
  19. ^ M&G journalists warned of criminal charges, Phillip de Wet, Mail & Guardian, 26 July 2012
  20. ^ Amandla! Protest in the New South Africa, Simon Delaney, Freedom of Expression Institute, May 2007
  21. ^ Dissent Under Thabo Mbeki, Jane Duncan, May 2011], Jane Duncan, May 2011
  22. ^ The Struggle for Street Politics, Jane Duncan, February, 2012
  23. ^ The 'Gatvol' Factor, Jane Duncan, SACSIS, January 2011
  24. ^ FXI welcomes court ruling on Shack Dwellers' Movement's right to hold demonstration, Freedom of Expression Institute, 2006
  25. ^ Siessa Patricia!, by Pierre de Vos, Constitutionally Speaking, 30 January 2012
  26. ^ Rondebosch protest: Charges withdrawn, Ben Fogel, Mail & Guardian, 31 January 2012
  27. ^ Penalizing Protest Action, Anna Majavu, SACSIS, 19 June 2012
  28. ^ Green Zone Nation: The South African government’s new growth path, Christopher McMichael, Open Democracy, 19 March 2012
  29. ^ With Enough Bullets, Christopher McMichael, March, 2012
  30. ^ The re-militarisation of South Africa’s borders, Christopher McMichael, Open Democracy, July 2012
  31. ^ Ayanda Kota lays assault charge against police - UPM, 18 January 2012
  32. ^ 'I was punched, beaten', Niren Tolsi, Mail & Guardian, 16 September 2006,
  33. ^ Penalizing Protest Action, Anna Majavu, SACSIS, 19 June 2012
  34. ^ Outcry over ‘savage assault’, ADRIENNE CARLISLE and DAVID MACGREGOR, The Daily Dispatch, 14 January 2012
  35. ^ Grahamstown activist arrested for book theft FARANAAZ PARKER, Mail & Guardian, Jan 13 2012
  36. ^ Clampdown feared as journalist arrested, Dominic Mahlangu, The Times, 4 August 2010
  37. ^ Another View: Time to oversee the officials who spy on us, Jane Duncan, The Times, 30 October 2011
  38. ^ 'Predator police' in reign of terror, GRAEME HOSKEN, The Times', 30 April 2012
  39. ^ The Landless People's Movement and the Failure of Post-Apartheid Land Reform, Stephen Greenberg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005
  40. ^ Torture and misuse of lethal force by security forces must end, Amnesty International, 1999
  41. ^ Briefing for the Committee against Torture, Amnesty International, 2006
  42. ^ Community leader lives in fear of his life Lungile Dube, Mail & Guardian, Apr 01 2011
  43. ^ Violence on tape confirms police tactics, KWANELE SOSIBO, Mail & Guardian, Mar 25 2011
  44. ^ State Violence, Richard Pithouse, SACSIS, 2011
  45. ^ a b ICD: Rise in police abuse at service delivery protests
  46. ^ Two student protesters killed by police in Durban, South Africa
  47. ^ Police shoot dead two high school pupils resisting eviction, Report by Anti-Privatisation Forum Kathorus Concerned Residents (KCR), 19/02/04
  48. ^ a b Tatane’s death opens old wounds for family, City Press, Lucas Ledwaba, 2004
  49. ^ On the Murder of Andries Tatane, Richard Pithouse, All Africa, April 2011
  50. ^ Business as Usual: Housing Rights in Durban, South Africa, Centre on Housing Rights & Evictions, Geneva, 2008
  51. ^ Activist killed by South African police at demonstration against water privatisation, IndyMedia Ireland, 2008
  52. ^ Unisa student's body released from mortuary, Gugu Mbonambi, Daily News, 2008
  53. ^ We Are All the Public, The Witness', 20 July 2009
  54. ^ Service Delivery Protests: Findings from Quick Response Research on Four 'Hot spots', by Luke Sinwell, Joshua Kirshner, Kgopotso Khumalo, Owen Manda, Peter Pfaffe, Comfort Phokela & Carin Runciman with Peter Alexander, Claire Ceruti, Marcelle Dawson, Mosa Phadi; Centre for Sociological Research, University of Johannesburg, 2009
  55. ^ Two deaths, dozens of injuries and counting..., Jared Sacks, Abahlali.org, July 2010
  56. ^ Man shot during protest dies, SAPA, IOL, Oct 2010
  57. ^ Police brutality, Leadership Magazine, 25 April 2011
  58. ^ South Africa Police open fire on protesters following 3rd day of aggressive action, USAfricaOnline, 16 Feb 2011
  59. ^ SA police fire rubber bullets, Herald, 16 Feb 2011
  60. ^ Ermelo Residents See No Reason To Vote, Dianne Hawker, IOL, 20 February 2011
  61. ^ 100 victims of police brutality take action, Sizwe Sam Yende, City Press, 8 May 2011
  62. ^ ‘We want jobs now’, IOL, 4 March 2011
  63. ^ 1,200 strikers face axe, IOL, 5 March 2011
  64. ^ South African union activist killed: Demand justice now, Public Services International, 2011
  65. ^ Protesters shot dead, The Sowetan, JUN 1, 2011 | ALFRED MOSELAKGOMO
  66. ^ R7bn cop brutality price tag, By Graeme Hosken, IOL, 9 June 2011
  67. ^ Youngster shot dead in crossfire, by Slindile Maluleka and Silusaphu Nyanda, Daily News, 4 July 2012
  68. ^ Independent Report into Political Violence Against Landless People's Movement, Jared Sacks, International Alliance of Inhabitants, 2010
  69. ^ Report: Experiences of Abahlali baseMjondolo in Durban, South Africa, by Malavika Vartak, Development Planning Unit of University College London
  70. ^ a b The Work of violence:a timeline of armed attacks at Kennedy Road, Kerry Chance School of Development Studies Research Report, 83, July 2010
  71. ^ a b Failure to conduct impartial investigation into Kennedy Road violence is leading to further human rights abuses, Amnesty International, December 2009
  72. ^ Umlazi uprising faces bullets, arrests, FATIMA ASMAL-MOTALA, 29 June 2012
  73. ^ Update from Ward 88 in Umlazi, Durban, Unemployed People's Movement, 27 June 2012
  74. ^ Right2Know Condemns Disruption of Community, Right2Know Campaign, June 2012
  75. ^ Community leader lives in fear of his life Lungile Dube, Mail & Guardian, Apr 01 2011
  76. ^ Ayanda Kota: Unapologetic ANC apostate, Mandy de Waal, The Daily Maverick 2012
  77. ^ Independent Report into Political Violence Against the Landless People's Movement, Jared Sacks, International Alliance of Inhabitants
  78. ^ Ruling in Abahlali case lays solid foundation to build on, Marie Huchzermeyer, 04 Nov 2009
  79. ^ We Are All S'bu Zikode, Amandla Magazine, 2012
  80. ^ Umlazi Political Violence Crisis, Abahali baseMjondolo, 2006
  81. ^ Motala Heights: Crisis Deepens as Violent Intimidation Against the Strong Poor Continues, Abahlali baseMjondolo, 2008
  82. ^ Umlazi Political Violence, Press Statement, 2006
  83. ^ Umlazi Political Violence, Press Statement, 2006
  84. ^ 1http://www.timeslive.co.za/opinion/commentary/2011/07/31/is-the-sacp-still-relevant Is the SACP still relevant?], Jeremy Cronin, The Times, 31 July 2012
  85. ^ Brutal 'ANC vets' in the firing line, Michelle Pieterson, Mail & Guardian, 13 July 2012

External links


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