ZUMA PAINTING: PRESS CLUB SLAMS ATTACKS ON MEDIA

The National Press Club says the attacks by the ANC and government on the media are emotional, irrational and totally uncalled for.

ANC Secretary-General, Gwede Mantashe, today called for a boycott of the City Press after it published the ‘Zuma spear' painting and the newspaper refused to take it off its website.

At the same time, GCIS head, Jimmy Manyi, criticised the E-news channel for ‘censoring' the crying of an advocate during the  Gauteng South High Court hearing.

National Press Club Chairman, Yusuf Abramjee, said: "The attacks on the media are uncalled for and it's an emotional response.

"The matter is before a court of law and to call for a boycott of the City Press is inappropriate. It will spur on more emotion and anger. We call on the ANC to retract its statement. The ANC has a responsibility not to continue raising the temperature over this controversial issue," said Abramjee.

He said Manyi was wrong to suggest that e-news is guilty of ‘censorship' by not re-playing the crying advocate.

"The court ordered the media locally and internationally not to re-play the footage. It is therefore disingenuous for Manyi to hit out at the broadcaster", said Abramjee.

"We are concerned by the ongoing attacks on the media  from some quarters. Inflammatory statements should be avoided and the court process should run its course."

Statement issued by the National Press Club, May 24 2012

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