The SA National Editors Forum (Sanef) has condemned the strong-arm
tactics used by security personnel on journalists covering the
Polokwane ANC conference, write Phakamisa Ndzamela and Sello Selebi.
ANC security officials and marshals aggressively prevented the media from attending a Monday night open plenary where ANC nominations for the ANC’s top six positions were made. Business Day photographer Tyrone Arthur was seen scuffling with a security official who was forcefully trying to grab his accreditation tag away.
The incident happened after former presidential spokesperson Bheki Khumalo briefed journalists that the session would be open to the media. When journalists later arrived they were forcefully told to move away.
“Sanef particulary condemns the actions of ANC security personnel on 17th December 2007 in which several journalists and photographers were physically manhandled,†read the statement.
ANC spokesperson Steyn Speed later apologised on behalf of the ANC saying that the incidents were unfortunate. Speed added that the party would ensure that such incidents would not occur again.
