STUDENT JOURNALIST THREATENED AFTER PUBLICATION OF AN ARTICLE

Max Hamata, who wrote an article published in the Mail & Guardian (September 18-24) titled ‘Sex for sale on campus', has received threatening phone calls from anonymous callers. Hamata's article on prostitution at Peninsula Technikon, alleges that sex services are available from certain female students for both in and off-campus men. One of the female students told Hamata that she has been in the sex trade for two years and her two best friends were also involved in the trade. The article says that sex workers at Pentech invite potential clients by placing advertisements at strategic points on campus, like ATMs at the student centre, the male residence and cafeteria. "Customers will be treated confidentially and will receive preferential treatment," reads one ad.

In reaction to his article, journalist student Hamata was called into the office of the deputy vice-chancellor Ms VL Tanga where he was questioned and accused of being disloyal to the institution. Tanga interrogated him in the company of six other management staff members. Hamata was also questioned by Campus Security who attempted to force him to reveal the names of his sources. Hamata refused saying that this would be a breach of confidentiality.

Although Hamata's article did not suggest that "all" female students on campus were involved in prostitution, a circular issued by the vice-chancellor implies that this is what he alleged in his article. Consequently those students, particularly women students, who have not read the article but have read the circular are targeting Hamata.

Furthermore, those sources who Hamata did name are being forced to retract their statements. They claim that their technikon careers will be over if they do not. Hamata says the vice-chancellor has deviated from a real problem of sex trade in the campus to a non-issue of smearing him against women students. He says he does no longer feel safe on campus.

FXI has consistently highlighted the need for recognition of protection of journalists' sources. FXI believes that Hamata is being harassed unneccesarily for writing an article he believed was in the public interest.