The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has criticised the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) decision to boycott media engagements over allegations of biased coverage.
The move follows remarks made by PA president Gayton McKenzie on social media, in which he instructed party representatives to withdraw from media engagements.
SANEF acknowledged the party’s dissatisfaction with media coverage but raised concerns about the implications of McKenzie’s blanket directive, warning that it could undermine freedom of expression and public debate.
“As a Cabinet Minister, McKenzie has sworn to uphold the Constitution. Section 16 protects freedom of expression, including media freedom and everyone’s right to receive or impart information and ideas. These protections extend to PA members and supporters,” SANEF said in a statement.
The forum added that, while political parties may designate spokespersons and coordinate their communication strategies, a blanket instruction discouraging media engagement raises concerns about individual expression and open democratic debate.
SANEF also reminded the PA of its obligations under Article 8 of the Electoral Code of Conduct, which addresses respect for the media and access to public political meetings and rallies.
The forum warned that the party’s stance could restrict the media’s ability to operate freely and, in turn, limit voters’ access to the information they need to make informed political decisions.
