South Africa’s Press Watchdog Sounds Warning on Global Journalist Safety

November 2, 2024 – South Africa –

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2, 2024, underscoring the critical role that journalists play in democracy and urging governments worldwide to act decisively against impunity.

SANEF echoed UNESCO and UN appeals for states to protect media personnel and their teams operating in conflict zones, emphasizing that threats to journalists strike at the heart of public accountability and the right to information. SANEF also joined the global condemnation of increasing online harassment faced by women journalists in South Africa, citing “hate speech, harassment, and doxxing” originating from police, political actors, and the public.

Highlighting the regional context, SANEF joined forces with African media partners for the first global commemoration taking place in Addis Ababa on November 6–7 under the theme “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies”, organized jointly by UNESCO and the African Union.

With journalists facing lethal threats globally—over 1,700 killed since 2006, and nearly 90 percent of cases unresolved, SANEF echoed calls for decisive reform. These include urgent investigations, legal reforms, and improved protections against violence, detention, and digital intimidation.

SANEF emphasized the need for coordinated national efforts—combining prevention, protection, and prosecution—supported by international initiatives like the UN Plan of Action and UNESCO’s safety agenda. They also stressed aligning national legislation with global standards and enforcing accountability for crimes against journalists.

In a region beset by election violence and hate speech, SANEF reiterated that press freedom extends beyond simply physical safety. It encompasses digital safeguards against cyberbullying and doxxing as vital to sustaining diverse, credible media voices.

For SANEF and its global partners, the International Day is not a ceremonial observance but a call to action: advocacy, legal enforcement, and public education are essential. Media freedom cannot coexist with impunity—for every unresolved attack is a victory for silence over truth. Nations must confront this reality, enact real protections, and ensure journalists can perform their vital role without fear or obstruction.

Reference –

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists