Campaign For Free Expression

Campaign for Free Expression is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organisation which defends and enables freedom of expression for all in Southern Africa

[Nicole Fritz @Nicole_Fritz]

@vlok_andre @carteblanchetv That is not what is being asked for. We recognise that there may be legitimate national security concerns relating to particular witnesses and evidence. But non-disclosure must be narrowly carved and properly justified. As our highest court has long held.

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

#MediaFreedom

[amaBhungane @amaBhungane]

Together with Media24, Daily Maverick and the Campaign for Free Expression, amaBhungane has launched an urgent court application challenging the exclusion of journalists and the public from the R12-million criminal trial of former State Security Agency (SSA) officials Thulani “Silence” Dlomo and Patrick Mshothola.

The SSA is seeking to exclude the media and public from the proceedings, citing risks to intelligence sources, operational methods and classified information. It also wants to prohibit the publication of information from closed hearings.

We argue that the agency has relied on generalised concerns about potential disclosures, rather than demonstrating the specific harm that would result from particular pieces of evidence.

The case raises important questions about transparency, accountability and the public’s right to know.

Read Daily Maverick’s latest report: https://t.co/x4yw8TcgUw

[Nicole Fritz @Nicole_Fritz]

More moves to keep the state of the SSA, its conduct and decisions outside of public scrutiny. Of course there are instances where national security considerations may demand non-disclosure. But following Zondo and HLRP, surely the imperative of scrutiny must weigh heaviest.

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

#MediaFreedom

[Carte Blanche @carteblanchetv]

🚨 MEDIA FREEDOM UNDER THREAT: In a dramatic turn at the Gauteng High Court, the SSA (State Security Agency) is demanding total secrecy in the R12-million corruption trial of former operative Thulani Dlomo and Patrick Mshothola.

Facing charges of theft, fraud, and forgery, the accused were granted a courtroom blackout by Presiding Judge Mashudu Munzhelele. Now, a coalition including @News24, @dailymaverick, @amaBhungane, and the @_FreeExpression is urgently challenging the ban.

In response, acting SSA DG James Ramabulana has launched an aggressive counter-application to keep proceedings behind closed doors and court documents sealed, citing fears of leaking "trade secrets" and compromising national security.

Is this a legitimate defense of national intelligence, or an attempt to shield high-level corruption from public scrutiny?

#CarteBlanche #MediaFreedom #SouthAfrica #news #crime

[Nicole Fritz @Nicole_Fritz]

“We know of no case in South Africa’s democratic history in which a criminal trial was sealed from the public.”

[Pieter Du Toit @PieterDuToit]

A fight worth having. Today, the SSA will oppose an application by @News24, @amaBhungane, @dailymaverick, and the Campaign for @_FreeExpression to access the trial of Zuma's superspy. It goes to the heart of constitutionalism. https://t.co/Nm86ctqB8S via @news24

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

[HAPPENING TODAY] This matter will be heard at the North Gauteng High Court this morning. We are challenging the blanket exclusion of the media and public from the criminal trial involving former State Security Agency senior officials.
#CFEInCourt
#MediaFreedom

[Pieter Du Toit @PieterDuToit]

The SSA wants the trial of Zuma spy Thulani Dlomo kept secret. News24, alongside @amaBhungane, @dailymaverick and @_FreeExpression will be back in court arguing for public and media access on Wednesday. https://t.co/Nm86ctr8Yq

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

The matter will be heard at the North Gauteng High Court this morning, and CFE will be present in court.
@dailymaverick @PieterDuToit

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

[LISTEN] CFE Executive Director Nicole Fritz spoke to @maggsonmedia on @Moneyweb about CFE and other media organisations’ urgent application challenging the secret trial of senior State Security Agency officials. https://t.co/Pj8VnV4zRe

[Intelwatch @IntelwatchNews]

Find the recording to Intelwatch's roundtable about responding to Legal and Regulatory Threats to the media in Southern Africa: https://t.co/ttzXHzzGyd

Do not forget to subscribe to the channel for more updates.

#Intelwatch #southernafrica #mediafreedom

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

Just a small correction: it is Campaign for Free Expression (CFE). Thank you, Sihle.

[Sihle Mavuso @ZANewsFlash]

NEWS: The Centre for Freedom of Expression (CFE), Media24, amaBhungane and Daily Maverick have filed an urgent application to challenge the order by the Pretoria High Court to restrict media and public access to the criminal trial of Thulani Dlomo, a former State Security Agency (SSA) official who is accused of misappropriating R12 million in secret services funds.

They argue that trial is of extraordinary public importance concerning the abuse of public funds and public power allegedly perpetrated by senior members of the security services allied to the former President Jacob Zuma.

Dlomo, together with a former SSA colleague, Patrick Mshotholo, have already been tried behind closed doors for three days now - KZN Tonight Podcast

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

This webinar forms part of CFE’s flagship Speak Up SA programme, which empowers journalism and communication students to engage with issues affecting freedom of expression and media freedom.

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

[WEBINAR] What to Do When Faced with a Legal Threat: A Guide for Journalists and Media Houses

CFE is hosting a webinar featuring journalists Khaya Koko, Edwin Naidu and Sisanda Mbolekwa, alongside CFE Legal Researcher Nkanyiso Ngqlunga.

#SpeakUpSA #MediaFreedom #Freedom

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

Join us for an important conversation on understanding and navigating legal threats in journalism.

#SpeakUpSA #MediaFreedom #FreedomOfExpression

[Pieter Du Toit @PieterDuToit]

The SSA wants the trial of Zuma spy Thulani Dlomo kept secret. News24, alongside @amaBhungane, @dailymaverick and @_FreeExpression will be back in court arguing for public and media access on Wednesday. https://t.co/Nm86ctr8Yq

[Moxii Africa @moxiiafrica]

Moxii Africa at the signing ceremony of a Voluntary Framework of Cooperation to Address Disinformation During the 2026 Local Government Elections with the IEC and online platforms.

In picture (group), are representatives from Moxii Africa, @Meta Inc, @googleafrica , @TikTok , and @MicrosoftSA with the @IECSouthAfrica CEO Sy Mamabolo.

This Voluntary Framework of Cooperation seeks to contribute to efforts to ensure fair and credible elections by safeguarding information integrity through tackling disinformation.

Stay tuned for more updates on this.

[Nicole Fritz @Nicole_Fritz]

And @_FreeExpression 😉

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

[HAPPENING TODAY] CFE Executive Director Nicole Fritz will be speaking at this webinar, contributing to the discussion on protecting media freedom across the SADC region. Join the conversation! #MediaFreedom

[Intelwatch @IntelwatchNews]

@TabaniMoyo @Nicole_Fritz @YourKayBol @MmapulaMolapong 2/2 The webinar builds on Intelwatch's research mapping threats to the media in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique, which found pressing legal and regulatory challenges facing journalists and media organisations in the region.

[Campaign For Free Expression @_FreeExpression]

#BlackWednesday

[National Association of Broadcasters South Africa @NAB_SouthAfrica]

Today marks 49 years since #BlackWednesday, when the apartheid government intensified its crackdown on South African media.🧵