SANEF concerned over SONA 2017 security
The South Africa National Editors' Forum says it remains extremely concerned that security arrangements for President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation (SONA) address may restrict the ability of journalists to carry out their work.
SANEF chairperson Mahlatse Gallens says the forum has been supporting efforts by the Press Gallery Association (PGA) to urgently consult parliament to get assurances that security officers will ensure freedom of movement for the event.
"SANEF subsequently wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete and chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Thandi Modise, spelling out our concerns and asking for urgent clarity. The letters were acknowledged, and Modise said she had referred the matter to the Secretary to parliament, Gengezi Mgidlana," says Gallens.
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Gallens says these efforts were, however, hampered this morning after parliament issued a statement that was not only premature but also was not a true reflection of what had transpired at a meeting between the PGA, a SANEF representative and Mr Mgidlana on Tuesday evening.
"SANEF supports the PGA's request - made at what was to be a follow-up meeting - for the statement to be withdrawn. The statement was misleading and claimed that agreement on a range of issues had been reached. The statement amounted to a breach of trust in ongoing attempts to find a solution to our serious concerns about security plans at parliament," says Gallens.