Media Freedom News South Africa

City Press lays charges after cyberbullying of reporter

The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) is encouraged that City Press have laid charges with the police following the cyberbullying of its entertainment reporter, Julia Madibogo by social media influencer, Faith Nketsi and her fans.
Source: © ocusfocus
Source: © ocusfocus 123rf

City Press has also engaged its legal representatives to investigate this matter.

“Cyberbullying and harassment of journalists, particularly women, continues to be one of the biggest concerns faced by the media across the world, with South Africa being no exception,” says Sanef.

Sanef is disgusted and infuriated by this latest incident which come after Nketsi publicly shared Madibogo’s cellphone number with her followers on social media.

This was after Madibogo contacted Nketsi, seeking her comment on the story the newspaper published regarding Nketsi’s wedding and rumoured pregnancy.

“Cyberbullying, among other harassments of journalists, has in recent times been on the increase and should be condemned,” says Sanef.

“Cyberbullying does not only put the lives of journalists in danger, but also makes it difficult for journalists to freely do their work,” the Forum continues.

Sanef has always called on those affected by news stories they deem factually incorrect, to lay complaints with relevant bodies such as the Press Council and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa.

These bodies have been set up to primarily address any issues South Africans may have when it comes to accuracy and ethical conduct.

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