Pretoria – The National Press Club has strongly condemned the interim gag order granted against Sunday Times political reporter Sisanda Mbolekwa, following her attempt to obtain a right of reply from public office bearer Dr. Sunshine Myende.
Myende is the chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Reporter Mbolekwa had been seeking comment from Myende about information implicating the NYDA chairperson.
Instead of responding to the matter, Myende successfully sought an interdict against the Sunday Times reporter at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
According to the order granted, in terms of the Protection from Harassment Act, Mbolekwa is not allowed to report on Myende, send her questions, or use her photograph.
Commenting on the matter on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, National Press Club Chairperson Antoinette Slabbert said the Club views this development with grave concern.
“Asking an implicated person for comment is not harassment; it is ethical journalism. It is a non-negotiable standard of our profession,” Slabbert said .
“To frame a right of reply request as harassment is a direct assault on media freedom.”
Media freedom in South Africa is a hard-earned constitutional right, not a privilege extended by those in power. It was secured through struggle and is protected under Section 16 of the Constitution.
Public office bearers cannot evade accountability by seeking to silence journalists who ask difficult but necessary questions.
“Sisanda Mbolekwa was doing her job,” Slabbert said
“She followed the ethical codes we expect from every journalist in this country.
“She does not deserve to be gagged for it.
“If this order is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent: today it is Sisanda, tomorrow it is any reporter holding power to account,” Slabbert said.
The National Press Club supports Mbolekwa and her employer’s efforts to have the order overturned and calls on the courts to urgently review this interim order.
It further urges all institutions to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and press freedom that underpin our democracy.
“We stand in full solidarity with Sisanda Mbolekwa and will be following the court proceedings closely,” said Slabbert.
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