PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27 September 1999

The FXI strongly condemns the actions of Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota against Die Volksblad, in connection with its reportage of the Tempe tragedy. The newspaper, as well as Die Burger and Beeld, reported that black soldiers were refusing to form a guard of honour for their white colleagues slain in the Tempe massacre. The Minister, accompanied by uniformed members of the SA National Defence Force's top brass paid an unexpected visit to the offices of Die Volksblad and confronted its editor, Jonathan Crowther. The FXI shares views with the three newspapers that this is an intimidating tactic which was practised by the Nationalist government during the apartheid years: as such it is an especially reprehensible action for a government minister of a democratically elected government, and one which could result in the truth being suppressed for fear of chastisement by the powers that be. FXI also strongly feels that the Minister's action is a direct attack against media which threatens press freedom in a democratic society.

The FXI is also worried about Minister Lekota's statement in Parliament that journalists were increasingly abusing their freedom by publishing false information that was costing people their lives. If the Minister feels that such abuse has been effected - namely that the media have been fuelling tensions through their reportage of the Tempe tragedy - then we call on him to make use of the Press Ombudsman's office to air his grievances. In this way, he will be ensuring that the grievance is heard in the context of a structure and code that protects press freedom, while ensuring adherence to ethical standards. As it stands, this utterance, and his actions with respect to Die Volksblad lead us to experience the airing of his grievance as an attack on freedom of expression.

Contact: Raymond Louw (082 4465 155) Nanagolo Leopeng (082 897 5452)