According to the DA, Khumalo halted proceedings of the meeting shortly after the presence of a reporter from an investigative journalism television show was questioned.
“Despite the fact that the show had notified Zweli Dlamini, the spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni mayor, that they would be present to record the meeting, Khumalo still saw fit to attempt to gag the media,” said DA Clr Ashor Sarupen,.
“Upon opening the meeting the Speaker, queried the presence of a young lady manning a TV camera in the media gallery.
“In answer to a visibly angry Khumalo, the journalist said she had arranged with Dlamini to attend and record the meeting.
“Hearing this, Khumalo abruptly called and adjournment and stalked out of the chamber.
“At this point, the DA caucus started chanting ‘freedom of the press’ to protest this obvious attack on the free press and their rights in terms of the law.
“A few minutes later a calmer and mortified looking Khumalo made her way back into her seat and reopened the meeting.”
The Standing Orders of Council, which is a by-law of the municipality, is very clear on the matter — the public and media cannot be denied access to meetings of council and its committees unless there are specific circumstances, such as when the matter being discussed may prejudice an individual unfairly or the matter is confidential in terms of legislation.
No such matters were on the agenda.
“This is not the first time that this speaker has indicated her discomfort with the media,” said Sarupen.
“Despite what the law says, Speaker Khumalo previously threatened to ban the media from attending the proceedings of council altogether, when photographers from various media houses left the chamber to take photos of a DA walkout in September 2011.
“The DA is deeply disturbed by the speaker’s repeated attacks on the free press.
“We will take all steps possible to stop the ANC in its obvious desire to gag the media and suppress the constitutionally enshrined right of freedom of the press and freedom of expression through the oversight committee of the mayor and the legislature, as well as any and all other legislative mechanisms available to the party.”
