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On twitter, Van Damme drew attention to Malema’s statement.
“Another dangerous trumpesca narrative: ‘the media is the enemy’. In America, it has led to Trump supporters sometimes violently attacking journalists, ”Van Damme said.
In a statement, Van Damme condemned the use of the word “enemies” in characterizing the SA media.
“That language is dangerous and could result in more physical violence against members of the media, as we have already witnessed in our country by supporters of some political parties whose leaders have expressed such sentiments,” he said.
“We strongly support the constitutional right to freedom of the media in the face of any characterization of ‘enemies’. The ‘fourth estate’, as the media is known, plays an important role in our democracy by holding the government to account and keeping the public informed. “
Van Damme said that the distortion of news by certain media outlets and the comments that arise as a result should not be grounds for threatening journalists.
“Despite the failures of some media houses, tThe media have played a key role in denouncing corruption, which has played a crucial role in the quest to establish a culture of responsibility in our country.
“We want to repeat that the recourse of what may be a coverage considered unfair is in the first instance to raise it with the publication. If an agreement is not reached, there is an appeal before the Press Ombudsman and the SA Broadcasting Complaints Commission, ”said Van Damme.
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