It’s wrong to ban the media’s rights

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) this week said it would ban The New Age and ANN7 reporters from attending the party’s events because they worked for the Gupta-owned news outlets.

Banning reporters from doing their jobs just because you have an axe to grind is a violation of the rights of the media.

This lesson also needs to be learnt by the DA and the ANC – they too have acted to punish members of the media who are critical of them.

Reporters are professionals and should be treated as such. They should be allowed to conduct their jobs without fear or favour. If they are found wanting, there are ways for parties to address their issues.

Freedom of the media and freedom of expression are enshrined in the Constitution, and should be respected by all.

In a democracy, debate will always be robust, and those who dish out criticism should be prepared to take it as well.