The South African Constitution is unequivocal in its protection of the right to freedom of expression. Equally important is that this fundamental right comes with a weighty responsibility; to be accountable.
It’s against this backdrop that we as the media industry must play a leading role in protecting this right.
So many paid with their lives for the rest of us today to enjoy it with the responsibility that comes with it.
Independent Media and IOL recently announced The Unmasking Project – an editorial campaign aimed at exposing individuals and networks working to undermine the country’s hard-fought democracy, especially on X (formerly Twitter).
These faceless accounts enjoy a free-for-all with no one holding them accountable.
The @Goolammv account in particular has attacked, smeared and defamed almost anyone that criticises or challenges President Cyril Ramaphosa.
It has now turned up the ante on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for not including the DA in the formation of the so-called Government of Provincial Unity. This is not to suggest those elected into public office should not be accountable. Far from it.
The point is these faceless individuals have no limits in terms of the information they put out there, meaning they can smear anyone they dislike. And how does one hold that individual to account?
IOL also recently came under attack from the same account when it exposed racism by some DA members.
Through The Unmasking Project, we now know that the account belongs to Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda. The revelation goes a long way in ensuring accountability.
Some have already made known their intention to pursue legal action against him. He has now fled the country, as he said in his social media account.
The day we allow faceless individuals to spew vile things under the guise of freedom of expression is the day we surrender this very important constitutional right to cowards like Vawda.
So, we must do everything and anything possible to guard against the abuse of freedom of expression by individuals and/or entities.
Exposing people like @Goolammv and his handlers is a step in the right direction towards achieving that objective.
Cape Times