The South African National Editors’ Forum on Thursday noted with concern the “dangerous remarks” made by EFF leader Julius Malema threatening journalists employed by ANN7 and The New Age.

The opposition party’s leader accused the Gupta-owned media company of being a cartel and stated that its journalists were not welcome at EFF events.

“It is unacceptable for any political party to intimidate journalists and to publicly state that they cannot guarantee their safety‚” Adriaan Basson‚ Sanef’s Media Freedom Committee chairperson‚ said in a statement.

“The SANEF urges the EFF not to ban journalists working for Gupta-owned media from covering EFF events & press conferences and to reaffirm the rights to media freedom and association.

“The EFF is entitled to its views about media owners‚ but should allow journalists to conduct their work without fear and in a climate conducive to the free exchange of information.”

Basson noted: “Freedom of the media and freedom of expression are enshrined in our Constitution and should be respected by the EFF. A diverse media is essential for a robust and healthy democracy.”