Report: SA journalists, activists work under threat of death, violence:
South African journalists, activists and the public are facing increasing challenges to freedom of expression, making them targets of contract killings, death threats and online abuse.
And the government appears to be tightening the noose on media and online freedom by drafting new legislation such as the Intelligence Bill and amendments to the Film and Publications Act, which threaten to stifle the work of journalists and activists.
This is the warning sounded by a new report, titled The Landscape is Darkening: A Review of Freedom of Expression in South Africa (2018-2023), released by nonprofit organisation Campaign for Free Expression.
The report paints a bleak picture of the demise of freedom of expression in South Africa despite it being enshrined as a right in the Constitution.
The 27-page review provides an overview of how the landscape for free expression has darkened, citing cases where activists and whistleblowers have been killed, how politicians and the public have physically attacked journalists, and how the state is passing laws to clamp down on freedom of expression.
According to the report, the review is an attempt to conduct a reality check on why there is a constant, desperate need to defend citizens and journalists’ rights to freedom of expression.
“We find that the answers lie in the deep and growing gap between policy and reality, between the 1994 promise of freedom and the realities of inequality and poverty, between government commitments to protect free speech and the scrappy laws being discussed in Parliament that would undermine free expression,” the report noted.
“In a society with such high levels of crime and corruption, artists and writers are not going to remain unscathed. In a society with a frighteningly high level of political assassination and the killing of whistle-blowers, journalists are not going to breathe easily.”
Among the report’s key observations were that journalists and those who speak out face frequent attempts to silence them, including intimidation and assault, death and rape threats, state surveillance and court action.
During the period under review, an environmental activist was assassinated, people of different sexual orientation were murdered, journalists were hit with rubber bullets and a member of the public broke a journalist’s jaw with a brick.
“The state can be ambivalent in its support for freedom of expression; in protests, both bystanders and journalists are under threat from police action; municipalities try to restrict petitions to protest; the state surveilles journalists and, according to some media houses, refuses to comment on stories. The president is also said to have ignored his commitment to the media to facilitate communication between journalists and the government,” the report warned.
“Political leaders have instigated attacks on journalists by party supporters. These increase the risks journalists face online and while out on assignment. Despite the constitutional court ordering the review of interception legislation, the surveillance of journalists appears to be ongoing and is likely to be strengthened by a newly proposed intelligence law.”
Female reporters appear to be more vulnerable to the threat of violence than their male counterparts. In a recent incident, a journalist was blocked from reporting by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters at a taxi rank.
The supporters assaulted her and pushed her to the ground and, according to a South African National Editors Forum statement, “[t]he EFF members, as well as the JMPD [Johannesburg metro police] officials walked over her. No one defended or assisted her.”
Online attacks on women journalists are also often gendered, with the specifics of the threats mostly unreported and accepted as part of the job. Examples highlighted in thre report included the account by Ferial Haffajee and journalist Karima Brown in 2019 of receiving anonymous telephone calls and messages on Twitter and WhatsApp from EFF supporters, which included threats of rape, violence and death.
“In 2018 EFF supporters attacked women journalists on social media, calling them
‘whores’, ‘witches’, ‘bitches’ and ‘cunts’, as well as racists and Nazis. There were also calls for the journalists to be raped, killed and for their home addresses to be published online,” the report found.
“In March 2021 concerns were raised about the reported surveillance of News24 investigative journalist Jeff Wicks by the police’s Crime Intelligence division, as well as about a burglary at the home of Daily Maverick journalist Marianne Thamm, when work laptops were stolen.
“Thamm had been targeted in a Crime Intelligence investigation into leaked documents. These incidents took place just a month after the constitutional court declared the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act (Rica) unconstitutional.”
Targeted killings were found to be another “significant inhibitor” of free expression for those who wish to expose corruption, environmental and land defenders and journalists.
The report noted that, in general, 276 targeted killings were reported in the news in 2020 and 2021, the highest among African countries surveyed — higher even than Brazil and India.
“Structural violence also silences LGBTQ+ people. In one eight-month period at least two LGBTQ+ people were murdered in South Africa each month.”
The report noted that the police appear to be unrestrained in their response to protest action. In one incident their over-reaction resulted in the death of a bystander. On several occasions, journalists were seriously injured.
And the state appears only to be bracing to further dim the darkening horizon, while the private sector is also, through threats of litigation and other measures, likely to weaken freedom of expression.
“It is likely that the state, using the Film and Publication Board, will attempt to play a greater role in censoring the arts and online content in the future. The private sector is also likely to play an increasingly powerful role in censoring online content,” the report warned.
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Navigating turbulence: An executive’s guide to travel in 2024:
Despite high travel prices, demand is still resilient, according to Flight Centre
As South African travellers look to take flight in 2024, stormy economic conditions could threaten to shake up the journey ahead. Yet for Euan McNeil, Managing Director of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, the resilience seen so far across both leisure and corporate travel spend paints a picture of cautious optimism.
“Demand continues to be resilient, which is quite surprising,” McNeil stated in a recent conversation assessing what’s next for the travel sector. He highlights that while discretionary income is undoubtedly squeezed across many households, travel remains such a priority that people continue finding ways to afford annual holiday getaways or business trips crucial for sealing deals.
However, as airfares across domestic and international carriers remain elevated compared to the pre-pandemic era due to a range of macroeconomic headwinds, misguided expectations around pricing could create frustration for travellers unaware of all the dynamics at play.
Here, McNeil breaks down what will really drive costs and booking strategies for air travel in the year ahead.
Making sense of elevated airfares
Across leisure and corporate travel sectors, the shock factor around the new normal pricing level has largely worn off. Travellers have grown accustomed to paying more, whether flying overseas or on domestic carriers compared to 2019. However, the factors keeping airfares up in 2024 may still prove surprising.
While South Africa grapples with skyrocketing inflation, rising interest rates, load-shedding woes and volatile currency exchanges putting the pinch on households and businesses alike, airlines also face their own cost pressures that won’t provide much relief for ticket prices just yet.
According to McNeil, the core issue comes down to airline economics and the US Dollar. He explains: “The biggest costs for airlines are all dollar-based. Fuel is a third of overall costs and that’s priced in dollars. As the Rand weakens, their income doesn’t stretch as far even as travellers pay more.”
With the strong dollar also making imports of aircraft parts and services pricier, don’t expect the laws of supply and demand to drastically slash airfares anytime soon.
Insider tips to beat the odds
Does this possibly cloudy forecast mean travellers should simply stay grounded in 2024? Not necessarily. For corporates aiming to keep business trips and air travel budgets under control, and households hoping to still indulge in an annual holiday, smart planning and insider tips can provide an advantage in navigating higher fares.
McNeil says: “People will have to travel smarter — good flight deals won’t always be what they seem, and expert advice will be key.” He notes that in some cases, travellers may opt to extend trips by a few days rather than paying for additional flights to multiple destinations in one trip. Trust a travel agent to maximise your holiday investment versus going at it alone.
Perhaps surprisingly given the above, globally, Flight Centre continues observing a pronounced shift towards increased premium travel, with demand for business class surging higher than pre-pandemic benchmarks. Travellers should account for these trends, booking further in advance to secure preferable cabins or considering upgrading airport lounge access to maximise value from the overall airfare spend.
Weathering the turbulence ahead
For travel industry leaders like Flight Centre and travellers across the spectrum, 2024 promises continued growth despite the economic storm clouds gathering. “I don’t think we’ll see massive expansion, but rather airlines focusing on protecting and optimising current routes where possible,” McNeil summarises.
While visa barriers, unpredictable exchange rate swings and rising inflation present very real challenges, McNeil believes South Africans’ deep affinity for travel should ensure smoother skies ahead. “There are lots of surveys showing consumers will sacrifice other discretionary spends before giving up their annual holiday, recognising the significant wellness impact of quality time spent away,” he says.
With some smart planning, and a good travel agent on call, corporate and leisure travellers can still rack up the air miles in the year ahead – even if the ride is a little bumpy at times.
For more information, visit: https://www.flightcentre.co.za/
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Sculpt, shine, sizzle: UniQ Brows’ guide to effortless summer beauty:
Embrace an elevated standard of beauty this festive season
Time is a precious commodity, and self-care is not just a luxury but a necessity. UniQ Brows invites every woman who recognises the value of grooming as an essential act of self-love to delve into these must-try summertime treatments. Our efficient and effective beauty solutions are designed for the modern woman who refuses to compromise on sophistication in her quest for timeless radiance. UniQ gives us some summer beauty tips that are efficient, effective and embody the ultimate act of self-care.
Permanent makeup: Timeless precision for lasting elegance
Immerse yourself in sophistication with permanent makeup. From flawlessly applied eyeliner to enduringly luscious lips, these enhancements deliver a polished look that withstands the elements, providing you with an immaculate appearance without needing constant touch-ups. Elevate your aesthetic to unparalleled grace.
MediPedi: The VIP treatment your feet deserve
Our DMK MediPedi is the only advanced foot treatment for you. It’s 100% anti-bacterial and 100% anti-fungal, and removes the rough, dry, hard skin build-up for fabulous feet all summer long.
Stunning piercings: Tradition meets modern artistry
UniQ Brows introduces a curated collection of stunning piercings that seamlessly meld tradition with contemporary flair. From delicate ear cuffs to bold nose rings, each piece is a testament to artistry in adornment, reflecting the strength and sophistication of African heritage. Allow your piercings to be a curated expression of your refined aesthetic. To embrace all the summertime fun you’ve already planned, book your piercings a couple of weeks before you leave for your holiday.
UniQ Brows magic: Precision enhancement for a timeless appeal
Embrace the transformative power of UniQ Brows’ eyebrow solutions. A quick fix, our precision ensures that your eyebrows remain an exquisite frame for your countenance, impervious to the effects of the summer sun. For a beautiful, quick fix with lasting results, the popular brow lamination is a must for full, beautifully designed brows. Elevate your facial symmetry and define your presence with brows that stand as a timeless work of art.
Sun-kissed glow: Meticulously crafted radiance without compromise
Uniq Brows redefines the pursuit of radiance with meticulously crafted bronzers and highlighters as the sole distributors of Sameer Khouzami. Achieve a sun-kissed glow that captivates the eye with a few brush strokes.
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Elevate your gaze further with UniQ Brows’ exquisite lash extensions and brow laminations. Revel in the allure of long, luscious lashes that frame your eyes with natural elegance, and indulge in the sculpted perfection of laminated brows that stay impeccably in place.
Cool sculpting fat freezing: Precision body sculpting for a confident silhouette
UniQ Brows introduces the latest innovation in body contouring with cool sculpting fat freezing. Bid farewell to stubborn pockets of fat as this non-invasive procedure sculpts your physique, revealing the contours you desire. Enjoy the benefits of a toned silhouette without the downtime of traditional procedures, ensuring you step into summer with confidence and grace.
Embrace an elevated standard of beauty this summer that means no downtime at all. From enduring elegance to refined relaxation, timeless adornments, masterful radiance, and innovative body sculpting, enjoy summer 2023 your way with UniQ Brows.
For more information, visit: https://uniqbrows.com/
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