Ramaphosa needs to hold Gayton McKenzie accountable for attack on press freedom

National Media Group (NMG) chief executive Melanie Peters has demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa take immediate action against Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie in response to the minister's ban on media from events on Black Wednesday, which coincided with National Press Freedom Day. In a statement on Tuesday, Peters expressed outrage at McKenzie's actions, describing them as a "crude middle finger to the Constitution and to our democracy".

Peters contended that McKenzie, who also leads the Patriotic Alliance, must be educated on the essentials of journalism, which includes holding public servants accountable.

The controversy arose after McKenzie's response to a joint investigation report by IOL and NMG, titled 'Ministry of cadre deployment': Leak dossier exposes Gayton McKenzie’s PA network. Peters likened McKenzie's behavior to that of apartheid-era President P.W. Botha, who detested independent journalism as a menacing force. She also drew a parallel between McKenzie's restriction of journalists from events and Botha's suppression of critical reporters.

Peters emphasized that threats to the media by a Cabinet minister are both serious and unacceptable in a constitutional democracy. She urged Ramaphosa to unequivocally condemn McKenzie's remarks, explain his intended actions, and launch an independent investigation into corruption allegations against McKenzie. Peters also called for McKenzie's dismissal from Cabinet, stating that the President has a constitutional obligation to protect press freedom and hold Cabinet members accountable.

NMG plans to engage with international media freedom organizations and express concerns regarding any attempts to intimidate journalists or limit independent reporting. Peters noted that McKenzie has barred media from his political campaigns and has restricted official entities from interacting with journalists, actions that raise concerns about transparency, public accountability, and hostility towards independent journalism.

She firmly stated that no public official is above scrutiny, citing Nelson Mandela's assertion in February 1994 that a critical, independent, and investigative press is the "lifeblood of any democracy". Mandela emphasized the press's responsibility to expose government and state officials' excesses and corruption.

Peters criticized McKenzie's unsubstantiated attack on Dr Iqbal Survé, a retired Sekunjalo chairman, calling it reprehensible. She clarified that Survé has no connection to the investigation or the media reporting on the allegations against McKenzie. Despite these criticisms, Peters affirmed that NMG will continue to investigate legitimate public interest matters regarding McKenzie, including allegations of drug cartels in townships, municipal looting, and alleged involvement of close associates in arts and culture department boards.

She stressed that reporters must diligently examine these allegations and report responsibly, grounded in verifiable evidence. McKenzie has previously denied the drug allegations, calling them politically motivated and stating that he is suing. In August, News24 reported that 19 individuals linked to the Patriotic Alliance had been appointed to boards of arts and culture entities.

The Democratic Alliance has filed a complaint with the Public Protector regarding appointments to the department's Mzansi Golden Economy adjudication panel. McKenzie and the Presidency have been asked for a response.