The South African National Editors Forum is perturbed to learn that television station ANN 7 has fired yet another group of journalists.

The five journalists fired yesterday took part in protests and other demonstrations in solidarity with their colleagues who were dismissed in June.

The first group that was dismissed, was part of a larger pool of employees that had objected to being named as parties to a company letter to the four banks that had revoked banking services to the television station's owners, Oakbay Holdings.

They also resisted attending a meeting which was to be addressed by ANC Youth League president Collen Maine. They felt it inappropriate that an attempt was being made to drag them into the company’s corporate affairs and political battles.

We strongly condemn this latest action by the management of ANN7, which comes in the wake of a series of well documented and unfortunate episodes at the SABC which saw journalists who challenged censorship at the public broadcaster being victimized.

The clear line between corporate and editorial is sacrosanct and should always be respected by both parties.  Journalists should also understand that they need to remain impartial and refrain from taking political sides to protect their credibility.

Following the continued onslaught on journalists, SANEF wishes to express its concern with what appears to be a continued trend by some media houses to violate media freedoms and contravene labour laws.

We believe this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency and SANEF will request a meeting with ANN7's Editor-in-chief, Moegsien Williams.

We are now exploring other legal options as part of a plan to help the dismissed journalists, as we seek to protect those who continue to work in hostile environments.

Statement issued by Sanef Chairperson Mahlatse Gallens and Sanef Media Freedom Sub Committee Chairperson Sam Mkokeli, 3 August 2016