Fearing a clampdown, journalists in South Africa fight proposed media law and tribunal

South Africa journalists fight proposed media laws

JOHANNESBURG — South African journalists are launching a campaign to fight what they say is an attempt to curtail media freedoms in a nation known for one of Africa’s freest and most open constitutions.

In a declaration published in all main Sunday newspapers, the South African National Editors Forum says they disagree with a new proposed media law and tribunal for journalists. They say both ideas proposed by the ruling African National Congress threaten free expression that has been the “lifeblood” of the country’s democracy since apartheid ended in 1994.

One major newspaper has begun warning its readers that “you would not be reading this story” if new media laws are passed.