Closed-door sessions in inquiry into official’s misconduct “may result in suppression of information of fundamental public importance,” says FXI
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is an abridged FXI press release: FXI disappointed with ruling of Ginwala Enquiry into the suspension of Adv V Pikoli The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is disappointed that Dr Frene Ginwala, Chairperson of the Enquiry into the suspension of Adv Pikoli, Head of the South African National Director of Public […]
University of Witwatersrand students forbidden by administration to peacefully express solidarity with Palestinians
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is an FXI press release: Student Organisation’s peaceful demonstration on campus prohibited by the University of the Witwatersrand Today, 8 May 2008, marks the 60th Anniversary of Israeli independence. There are deep disagreements as to the significance of this historic event; one point of view emphasizes that it was a catastrophe […]
World Report 2008: South Africa
World Report 2008: South Africa
Freedom of the Press 2007: South Africa
Freedom of the Press 2007: South Africa
Provincial government attempts to silence criticism of health services by legislative member
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is an FXI press release: FXI concerned about Gauteng Provincial Government’s attempt to curtail MPL Jack Bloom’s freedom of expression The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is concerned about attempts by the Gauteng Provincial Government to curtail the freedom of expression of a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) for the […]
Minister must follow due process to withhold information on “national security” grounds, says FXI
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is a 22 November 2007 FXI media release: FXI in Constitutional Court today as amicus in Masetlha case Today, the 22 November 2007, the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) will intervene as a friend of the Constitutional Court in the case of the Independent Newspapers v Minister of Intelligence Services. The […]
Growing trend of employers silencing criticisms as three workers disciplined, one dismissed
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is a 19 November 2007 FXI press release: FXI disturbed by recent violations of freedom of expression of workers The Freedom of Expression Institute is disturbed by the growing number of violations of the freedom of expression of workers. Four cases have been brought to the FXI’s attention of workers who […]
Photographer harassed, his camera seized; another briefly detained for covering police dispute
(MISA/IFEX) – On 16 October 2007, a police officer manhandled “The Star” photographer Matthews Baloyi and confiscated equipment belonging to him, while chief photographer Chris Collingridge was arrested for taking down the registration number of a private car used by a police officer. Collingridge was later released. The incident took place following heated scenes between […]
FXI, other organizations concerned over proposed board for public broadcaster, question group’s “commitment to freedom of expression”
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is an abridged version of an FXI press release: Labour and civil society write to President Mbeki to oppose SABC Board appointments Several labour and civil society organisations have sent a joint letter to President Thabo Mbeki objecting to the list of names forwarded to him for the new Board of […]
FXI welcomes Constitutional Court judgment in “nose stud” case
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is an FXI press statement: RE: FXI welcomes CC judgment in “nose stud” case The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) welcomes today’s Constitutional Court (CC) judgment in the “nose-stud” case, as a vindication of school pupil Sunali Pillay’s cultural and religious rights, as well as her right to freedom of expression. […]
Cape Town court dismisses bank’s application to prevent satirical journal from publishing information relating to alleged tax fraud scheme
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release: ARTICLE 19 Hails Noseweek Victory On Wednesday, September 19th, the South African journal Noseweek, a monthly investigative satirical journal with a readership of approximately 50,000, successfully defended its cause of freedom of expression at Cape Town’s High Court. The Court yesterday dismissed FirstRandBank’s application […]
Prison doctor suspended, faces defamation suit for criticising government minister
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is an FXI media statement: Minister Seeks Lockdown on Freedom of Expression in Correctional Services A defamation suit filed recently by Ngconde Balfour, Minister of Correctional Services, against Pollsmoor Prison doctor Paul Theron, provides further evidence of a disturbing trend; namely, that public servants who blow the whistle on corruption, misadministration […]
Hospital official suspended for speaking to media; “free speech in the public health system needs intensive care,” says FXI
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is an FXI media release: Media Release: Free speech in the public health system needs intensive care The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) feels that recent reports strongly suggest free speech in the public health system needs intensive care. The most recent case of Eastern Cape’s Dr Nokuzola Ntshona, the Medical […]
Zimbabwean editor shot and seriously wounded in South Africa
(MISA/IFEX) – Abel Mutsakani, the editor of ZimOnline and former managing editor of the banned “Daily News”, is reportedly battling for his life in a Johannesburg, South Africa hospital after he was shot and seriously injured by a gang of three assailants on 23 July 2007. According to reports from ZimOnline ( http://www.zimonline.co.za/ ), which […]
Court gags media from publishing details of alleged corruption and abuse at public broadcaster
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is an FXI media statement: FXI outraged by gag on Mail & Guardian and others After two attempts by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to obtain court interdicts this week, the SABC’s legal head Mafika Sihlali succeeded where his employer failed. Last night’s gag order was granted against the Mail […]
Repeatedly threatened cartoonist sued for defamation, wins award for courage
(CRN/IFEX) – The following is a 6 July 2007 CRN press release: South African Cartoonist to Receive CRNI Award July 6 CRNI is proud to announce the 2007 winner of the Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award: Jonathan Shapiro of Cape Town, South Africa. Every year, cartoonists around the world are threatened by terrorists, government officials […]