SANEF condemns barring of media at Wits protest
The South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) has condemned the barring of reporters from the student protests at Wits University.
Private security at the institution was seen on national TV removing journalists and camera crews from the main campus in Braamfontein.
This came amid violent protests that erupted at the campus on Friday morning.
Students at the university have been protesting against financial exclusion and accommodation over the past three days.
Sanef's Reggie Moalusi said they will seek answers from the university management to establish why the media was removed from campus.
"We condemn this act, although we don't know the reason for this, and we are trying to establish that from the university. As far as we are concerned the media there is not disturbing anyone, whether the security or protesting students.
"The media should not be barred from covering any story or any protest. We will reach out to the Wits university spokesperson Shirona Patel to explain the real reasons."
Patel said the university felt the presence of the media could inflame protestors.
"For safety and security reasons, and in order not to further inflame the situation, the university has indicated that the media will not be allowed onto campus for the moment. It is felt that the presence of cameras could inflame the situation and cause further violence and disruptions.
"The university has the responsibility to protect its staff, students and property, including journalists on its campuses, and reserves the right to admit or limit access as appropriate."
ALSO READ:
