Smoking Gun: Anton Harber’s ‘Opinion’ Timed to Subvert Press Council Hearing

Timing, as they say, is everything and Adjunct Professor of Journalism Anton Harber’s ‘opinion’ published on the Daily Maverick, a day before News 24’s Karyn Maughan and Sunday Independent head to the SA Press Council, is a smoking gun that underlines that he is anti-Independent Media and against media freedom.

This superbly timed (on the part of Harber and long-time Independent Media detractor, Daily Maverick), opinion, although couched in fact, seems specifically created to undermine the integrity of the Press Council’s processes. As such, it must call into question Harber’s ethical standards and motives as a commentator, especially as he has been an outspoken critic of our publishing house, even going so far as to exhort advertisers to pull their campaigns.

For someone who heads up a free expression campaign, is the Chair of Africa’s oldest fact checking outfit, Africa Check (more on that to come), and tasked with the responsibility of guiding the next generation of reporters, his rhetoric is somewhat hypocritical given the timing.

Independent Media has been a vocal warrior in exposing the shortcomings of the government, many of its officials, even the President himself, and those allied to him. For this, we have been harassed, defamed and repeatedly attacked.

Before you say anything, we do sometimes get it wrong when reporting – when that happens, we do stand up and we are counted. In other words, we apologise and move on to continue with the vital role we play as independent commentators holding those in power in South Africa to account, including Mr Harber.

Our reporting has also encouraged others to come forward and share their own opinions about the state of the nation, as well as tales of harassment by pro-government supporters, because they like us, have a voice which seeks to out those who would control our democracy for their own gain.

One of those opinion writers is also at the heart of this impending case, and someone whose views have been met with some resistance by those who do not agree with what they read.

Enshrined in our Constitution is freedom of speech. It is important to note that the right to expression is tempered by the country’s hate speech laws too. Both will be tested when the case before the SA Press Council is heard on Tuesday.

At the heart of the matter is opinion and free expression. It is a pivotal case that has far reaching consequences for everyone in this country – not just the media.

It is a case that deserves, therefore, to be duly considered in as unbiased an environment as possible.

The timing of Harber’s piece is therefore highly suspect.

Harber’s perceived ‘credibility’ perpetuates the illusion of impeccable judgment and infallibility. It is, though, in my humble opinion, purely a smokescreen for reinforcing the narrative that his insights and critiques are beyond reproach whilst he sets about the business of undermining our business.

Harber's reputation as an attack dog in media circles, stems from his tendency to aggressively target and criticise specific individuals, organisations, or ideas.

His role often involves amplifying critiques that align with specific agendas or narratives, effectively serving as a weapon in ideological or political battles within the media landscape.

And, whilst Harber’s piece on Daily Maverick might be his freedom of expression, it could also be classified as propaganda, geared as it looks, to be intended to influence public opinion and shape discourse to a desired outcome, that being the demise of independent media.

Let’s hope that the Press Council stick to the facts. Our fundamental right to communication is at stake and at risk of a fatal shot.

*Senekal de Wet is Editor-in-Chief at Independent Media