South Africa marks Press Freedom Day, recalling 1977 crackdown
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the ANC issued statements on National Press Freedom Day on Wednesday. The day recalls the apartheid government's 1977 crackdown, when newspapers were banned and editor Percy Qoboza was detained for five months without charge or trial.
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said the Commission remains concerned about the growing challenges facing journalists and media institutions. He said economic and financial pressures continue to undermine independent journalism, leading to staff cuts and reduced newsroom resources.
Baloyi also said journalists face intimidation, harassment, physical threats and violence from powerful actors who want to silence critical reporting.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said a lot had since been done to improve media freedom. She said: "We raise our banner in recognition of the editors and journalists, honouring them for their fight against apartheid,"
Key facts
- Who
- Wisani Baloyi (spokesperson, South African Human Rights Commission); Mahlengi Bhengu (spokesperson, African National Congress); Percy Qoboza (late journalist and editor, detained for five months in 1977)
- What
- South Africa marked National Press Freedom Day, recalling the apartheid-era 1977 crackdown on the media, including bans on newspapers and the detention of journalist and editor Percy Qoboza for five months without charge or trial. The SAHRC and the ANC made statements on press freedom.
- When
- 21 October 2026
- Where
- South Africa
- Status
- Reported