By Theodora Theodory, MA-student, OsloMet
During the 8th International Conference on Safety of Journalists conducted at OsloMet it was revealed that journalists in South Africa are facing physical attacks which prevent them from covering news effectively.
Speaking during the paper session Nechama Brodie from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa said that journalists in South Africa are vulnerable while working in crime areas.
The most shocking observation of her study is that in about 7 out of 10 incidents investigated there are one to two female journalists among them. This poses an unanswered question to the study.
She adds despite what happened, journalists in South Africa are still showing their bravery and persistence in their work. However, their fear is still evident.
“ Although journalists put on brave faces and insist that these crimes will not deter them from seeking out or covering stories in the future, it is evident that there is some degree of deterrence,” said Nechama Brodie.
As a result, the Committee for the Protection of Journalists recommended that journalists should research the area before going to cover news, avoid showing off their cameras, avoid working at night, and set up safe working spaces. The question remains: What is the future of media coverage of events without safety?