By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The government has hit back at the executive chairperson of the Independent Media group, Iqbal Survé, accusing him of spreading “malicious allegations” against President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan.
DIndependent Media is one of the country’s largest media groups. It includes newspapers such as the Cape Times, The Star and the Pretoria News in its stable.
On Tuesday, Survé published a YouTube video accusing Ramaphosa and Gordhan of conspiring with SA’s banking sector to shut down the accounts of the entities in the Sekunjalo Group, under which Independent Media falls.
“The Independent Group’s allegations are devoid of truth and seek to bring the President and the Minister into disrepute. Furthermore, the country has a formal banking system, which is highly regulated and accountable to regulators and industry bodies,” said Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director-General, Phumla Williams.
Williams said the Constitution entrenches the right to freedom of expression, including media freedom, which is an integral part of democracy.
“Since 1994, government has been resolute in the belief that an independent and free media are vital partners in strengthening any democracy.G
“Government on an annual basis joins the media industry in commemorating Media Freedom Day, which resulted in legislative guarantees of press freedom and editorial independence,” she said.
Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said: “This is not the first time that the Independent Group has cast aspersions on Cabinet Ministers. The media has been free of State control since the advent of democracy.
“Government enjoys a cordial relationship with media in the country through structures such as SANEF and the Press Club. The media is an important partner and stakeholder of government, and we confirm our commitment to upholding media freedom in South Africa”.