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THE UNDER-PRESSURE PRESS

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Sir,

The other day, I had an interesting chat on social media with a friend who accused us-writers-of skirting (avoiding) around issues, especially those of a political nature that need to be addressed - due to fear.


As a proponent of freedom of expression, I respected his right to freedom of expression, but I  pointed it out to him that the work of media people, that is, journalists, writers, bloggers etcetera, as I understand it, is never an easy one. It certainly has its risks.

The sword of Damocles is forever hanging over freedom of expression - and of the press. Their job is governed by rules, laws or restrictions to freedom of expression and they walk a very thin line, especially in undemocratic countries where the freedom of the press (as well as of individuals) to freely express themselves, is severely restricted.


Journalists in many countries have been harassed, jailed and even killed for writing truth to power. Remember the brutal killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi national and columnist for the Washington Post who was killed in Istanbul?

limitations to freedom of expression


I have no formal credentials as a journalist, but from my layman’s viewpoint, there are limitations to freedom of expression. It is never absolute. Freedom of expression carries with it responsibilities. You cannot, for example, call someone pointedly and in arrogance ‘imfucuta’ and get away with it, claiming you are exercising your right to freedom of speech, can you?  He can sue you... well, in a fair and transparent judicial environment.


For instance, there are restrictions on freedom of expression that prohibit speech or expression which, threatens someone with, for instance, violence, speech that incites illegal action, speech that is harmful in other ways e.g. use of derogatory speech.


Such harmful ways may constitute, for example, defamation, blackmail, speech that would arouse anger, alarm, or resentment in others on the basis of race, colour, creed, religion or gender.

excessive restrictions


Where freedom of expression or speech threatens national security or public order, the terms must be clearly defined, but some repressive governments use excessive restrictions to deny its citizens, including the press, the right to criticise wrongs, abuse of power perpetrated by either the Executive, Legislature or the Judiciary or all three arms of government.


Public officials should take criticism (and are implored) with a pinch of salt, compared to private citizens. Undemocratic governments have this tendency of violating laws that protect the right to free speech or expression.
They are obligated to protect freedom of the press. Sadly, this is not always the case. They literally get away with murder at times. Journalists, activists, proponents of human rights in many countries have been found murdered, some hanging in cells under suspicious circumstances, for exercising their rights to freedom of expression. Part of their duties, I believe, is the obligation to speak out for those that are denied their right to freedom of expression. Without the media playing an oversight role, the bad guys would have a field day. Take the case of the unfinished Nhlangano-Gege-Sicunusa road.


Would we have known that human rodents are allegedly behind misappropriation of funds allocated for the project? Press freedom is relentlessly under onslaught and threats even in so-called democratic countries. The less said about repressive States, the better.


The press is unofficially known as the Fourth Estate and it plays a crucial watchdog role over the failures (or successes?) of governments, reports and informs the public about them. Some governments don’t like that and come hard on the press, clamping it down or muzzling it.


To those who say we are scared to criticise by failure to take ‘that’ step further, I urge them to spare a thought for the press and/or individuals who exercise their freedom of expression.
Repressive governments all over the world are mean and dangerous - don’t fool yourself. Shalom!

Alex Nxumalo 76058449,

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