Radio News South Africa

SAHRC finds in favour of journalists' rights

An appeal lodged by the Forum of Black Journalists (FBJ) has been dismissed by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

702 news editor Katy Katopodis, who, along with Primedia group head of news Yusuf Abramjee and talk show host Kieno Kammies presented a complaint to the SAHRC after the Forum of Black Journalists' refusal to allow white journalists to attend an off-the-record lunch meeting scheduled with ANC president Jacob Zuma in 2008, said she is pleased with the findings.

“There are so many big issues to deal with at the moment, and I'm glad this is over so we can focus on the major events that are unfolding now.”

She was quick to add that the decision was an important one and she still felt it was relevant over a year later. “Part of my role as an editor is to protect the journalists I work with and I would have done exactly the same thing if a black journalist was barred from a white meeting - it violates the constitution,” said Katopodis.

See the news item here

Read the SAHRC ruling here.

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