Open letter to EFF

7 January 2016

Dear Sirs,

IN RE: EFF PRESS CONFERENCE 4 FEBRUARY 2016 AS WELL AS SUBSEQUENT MEDIA STATEMENT

I address this open letter to you in my capacity as editor-in -chief of The New Age newspaper and ANN7, a 24-hour news channel.

We would like to refer the various recent media statements issued by the Economic Freedom Fighters ("EFF"), specifically pertaining to the Guptas and all their associated businesses.

We do not want to enter into a debate in regards to your politically motivated allegations and statements . It is most definitely not our intention to get dragged into a politically fuelled debate.

Despite your allegations levelled against The New Age and ANN7, we pride ourselves in covering news stories without any fear or favour. We would like to reiterate our independence and maintain that we are committed in reporting news which is free and fair.

Having said the above , we are tremendously concerned about the threats that you have levelled against our companies, some of our shareholders and our employees. You (ought to) know, with respect, that media freedom , which includes the right to receive information, is enshrined in our Constitution. It is unfortunate that you have resorted to violent intimidation, to such an extent that our employees (and shareholders) fear for their safety.

For clarity sake, we would like to mention some of your statements which are of great concer:

1. You advised employees of ANN7 and The New Age not to cover or

attend any EFF events, because "it is not safe for them";

2. You refer to our companies as "propaganda machines of corruption";

3. You warned our employees that they must not be “casualties” and that you will “go for the enemy” directly (not talking);

4. You cannot guarantee the safety of those who are working for the Guptas - referring to employees working at ANN7 and The New Age;

5. You demanded that the Guptas must leave the country, with immediate effect;

6. If they do not leave "what could happen to them and their properties becomes a highly volatile matter";

7. The EFF will physically drive the Guptas out of Gauteng by "any means possible" and that you will mobilise your branches to achieve this objective;

8. To ensure this happens, you will, amongst others, take "practical action" to persuade (them) to leave the country;

9. You declared a "battle" and "war" against the Guptas.

Although your Mr Malema endeavoured to retract calls for violence after your media statement on 4 February 2016, today we received a statement purported to be issued by the EFF Gauteog calling for the mobilisation of branches to physically remove the Guptas and their businesses out of Gauteng.

We believe that your statements are nothing but an attempt to intimidate our employees and their families. These actions are illegal and cannot be acceptable in a free and democratic society.

ln order to ensure that our employees are afforded the right to continue with their work, unhindered and without any fear of violence against them, we would request you to retract your statements. Due to the urgency of this matter, we request you to provide us with your aforementioned reply before 12 noon tomorrow afternoon. If you do not provide us with your confirmation that no act of violence will be committed against any of our employees, shareholders or any of its properties, we will take the appropriate steps to protect our rights.

Our employees remain eager to report on all news events, including you and your parties' views. We are therefore requesting you to reconsider your position and to revert to us as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely

Moegsien Williams

Editor-in-chief

ANN7 & The New Age