The SA government has rejected, as false, accusations by beleaguered Independent Media Executive Chairperson Iqbal Survé suggesting that President Cyril Ramaphosa put pressure on banks to close his company’s bank accounts.
In a recent video, Survé declares: Silencing Independent Media is the ruthless aim of Pravin Gordhan and Cyril Ramaphosa”.
Survé was responding publicly to a notice from Standard Bank of its intention to shut the banking facilities of his independent media organisation.
He accused the bank of reneging on its submission to the Competition Commission where it said it was not closing the Group company bank accounts.
The political pressure at play has nothing to do with democracy, it is a ruthless campaign that only serves a political agenda to keep Pravin Gordhan and Cyril Ramaphosas power narrative alive, said Survé.
However, on Wednesday the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said: “Government notes and rejects the malicious allegations made by the Independent Media Groups head Iqbal Surve that President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Pravin Gordhan, a sitting Cabinet member, have applied political pressure and are using the banks to silence the media.”
A statement issued by GCIS Director-General Phumla Williams said, “the Independent Groups allegations are devoid of truth and seek to bring the President and the Minster into disrepute.”
Williams added: “Furthermore, the country has a formal banking system, which is highly regulated and accountable to regulators and industry bodies.
“The Constitution entrenches the right to freedom of expression, including media freedom, which is an integral part of our democracy.”
Williams said since 1994, the government has been resolute in the belief that independent and free media are vital partners in strengthening any democracy.
She said the government on an annual basis joins the media industry in commemorating Media Freedom Day, which resulted in legislative guarantees of press freedom and editorial independence.
Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said: This is not the first time that the Independent Group has cast aspersions on Cabinet Ministers.
“The media has been free of state control since the advent of democracy. Government enjoys a cordial relationship with the media in the country through structures, such as SANEF and the Press Club.
“The media is an important partner and stakeholder of the government and we confirm our commitment to upholding media freedom in South Africa.
