National Press Club Condemns Gag Order Placed on Sunday Times Reporter Mbolekwa

Pretoria – The National Press Club has strongly condemned the interim gag order placed on Sunday Times political reporter Sisanda Mbolekwa, following her attempt to obtain a right of reply from public official Dr. Sunshine Myende.

Myende is the chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

Reporter Mbolekwa was seeking comments from Myende concerning allegations that involve the NYDA chairperson.

Instead of addressing the claims, Myende obtained an interdict against the Sunday Times reporter from the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.

According to the issued order, in line with the Protection from Harassment Act, Mbolekwa is prohibited from reporting on Myende, sending inquiries, or using her likeness.

In a statement on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, National Press Club Chairperson Antoinette Slabbert voiced the Club’s deep concern over this matter.

“Seeking a comment from an involved party isn’t harassment; it is a fundamental aspect of ethical journalism. This is a non-negotiable standard in our profession,” Slabbert noted.

“Portraying a request for a right of reply as harassment is a direct assault on media freedom.”

Media freedom in South Africa is a hard-earned constitutional right, not a privilege dispensed by those in power.

It has been achieved through struggle and is protected under Section 16 of the Constitution.

Public officials must not evade accountability by trying to silence journalists who ask tough yet essential questions.

“Sisanda Mbolekwa was merely performing her responsibilities,” Slabbert asserted.

“She maintained the ethical standards we expect from all journalists in this country.

“She should not face censorship for doing her job.

“If this order persists, it sets a troubling precedent: today it’s Sisanda, tomorrow it could be any journalist aiming to hold authority accountable,” Slabbert cautioned.

The National Press Club supports Mbolekwa and her employer’s effort to overturn the order and implores the courts to promptly review this interim ruling.

Furthermore, the Club urges all institutions to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and press freedom that are vital to our democracy.

“We stand in full solidarity with Sisanda Mbolekwa and will closely follow the court proceedings,” Slabbert concluded.