- The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) weighed in on the Patriotic Alliance's media ban
- PA members were directed not to grant interviews or engage with local journalists ahead of the elections
- The National Media Group's Melanie Peters compared Gayton McKenzie's conduct to PW Botha
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has spent a decade reporting on South Africa's political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG — The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) has formally condemned the Patriotic Alliance (PA) after the party instructed members to refuse all media engagement ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
PA leader and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie announced the ban, citing what he described as biased and predominantly negative coverage of the party. Members were directed not to grant interviews or engage with local journalists, though McKenzie indicated he would continue speaking to media in his ministerial capacity.
He characterised the decision as "nothing personal."
Journalists confronted at Westbury walkabout
The policy was enforced during a PA campaign event in Westbury, Gauteng, on 19 October 2026. Bodyguards wearing PA T-shirts and openly carrying assault rifles, some bearing slogans including "We are ready for war," shouted "no media" and aggressively approached photographers, demanding they stop taking pictures.
The confrontations took place in a public space. McKenzie told journalists present that they were permitted to photograph the event but that no party representatives would provide interviews.
SANEF Secretary General Professor Glenda Daniels responded on 21 October 2026, stating that the PA's conduct was unacceptable and ran contrary to the principles governing media access during an election campaign. She described the treatment of journalists as harassment and cautioned that the party's approach could encourage similar behaviour from other political parties.
NMG CEO calls for McKenzie's dismissal
National Media Group (NMG) chief executive Melanie Peters issued a sharply worded statement, describing McKenzie's conduct as "a crude middle finger to the Constitution and to our democracy." Peters drew a comparison between McKenzie's actions and those of apartheid-era president PW Botha.
Peters directed three demands at President Cyril Ramaphosa and called on McKenzie to resign.
Other stories about comments made by McKenzie
- McKenzie shared a heartfelt tribute after the death of South African rugby player Hyron Andrews.
- McKenzie insisted that South Africa can still host an F1 even before Rwanda did so.
- McKenzie set a date for a crucial Video Assistant Referee announcement after SAFA delays.
Source: Briefly News
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