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SANEF condemns Patriotic Alliance ban on journalists in Westbury

Published

The South African National Editors' Forum says the Patriotic Alliance broke the Electoral Code of Conduct when it barred journalists from a campaign walkabout. Secretary general Glenda Daniels said a complaint to the IEC may be premature.

Daniels said the party banned journalists from the Westbury event after complaints that the media was biased against the party and its leader, Gayton McKenzie. She said the ban breaks Article 8 of the Electoral Code and that the party should accept media scrutiny.

CapeTalk presenter John Maytham said bodyguards openly carrying assault rifles shouted at photographers and drove them out of the venue. Daniels said the treatment of journalists amounted to harassment and could set a bad example for other parties.

Daniels said an immediate complaint to the IEC was not necessary. She said that if McKenzie does more, it may be time to take him to the electoral court.

Key facts

Who
Glenda Daniels (Secretary General of the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF)); Gayton McKenzie (Leader of the Patriotic Alliance and a minister); John Maytham (CapeTalk presenter who interviewed Daniels); Patriotic Alliance (political party that banned the media from a campaign rally)
What
After the Patriotic Alliance banned journalists from a Westbury campaign walkabout over complaints of media bias, SANEF secretary general Glenda Daniels called the move unacceptable and a breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct. She said the party should accept media scrutiny and that a complaint to the IEC may be premature.
When
21 October 2026
Where
Westbury, Gauteng
Status
Reported

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