Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema warned that Gupta-owned media such as ANN7 and The New Age will not be welcome at his party’s events.
“Guptas must leave the country. We are tired of about talking about [the] Guptas. We going to take practical action,” Malema told reporters in Johannesburg.
“Gupta media must no longer come to EFF events. We don’t want to see The New Age and ANN7.”
Malema accused them of being products of corrupt activity, used to perpetuate corrupt actions.
“It’s… propaganda machinery.”
He said protectors of corruption would not be tolerated.
Addressing the reporters from The New Age and ANN7, Malema cautioned them to “move out the way”.
“Sisters and brothers in Gupta firms we love you and don’t want you to be casualties. We cannot guarantee the safety of those printing New Age and ANN7.”
Malema said the Guptas would be dealt with the same way apartheid was.
The Guptas are said to have a close relationship with President Jacob Zuma and other highly placed ANC leaders.
ANN7 earlier promoted on their Twitter page that they would be carrying the EFF press briefing live on Thursday. Shortly after Malema’s comments, the broadcast was stopped.
Meanwhile, the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) on Thursday expressed concern over Malema’s intimidation of journalists who worked for Gupta-owned media outlets.
“It is unacceptable for any political party to intimidate journalists and to publicly state that they cannot guarantee their safety,” Sanef said.
It urged the EFF not to ban journalists working for Gupta-owned companies and to reaffirm the rights of media freedom and association.
“The EFF is entitled to its views about media owners, but should allow journalists to conduct their work without fear and in a climate conducive to the free exchange of information.
“Freedom of the media and freedom of expression are enshrined in our constitution and should be respected by the EFF. A diverse media is essential for a robust and healthy democracy,” Sanef said. — News24
