Media

The “burning flag” ad, or, much ado about nothing

The has been much 'outrage' at the DA's 'burning flag' advert. It's critical of the ANC, the EFF and MK. And so it should be. The South African flag is a symbol of South Africa. It is not a human being. It is not a religious icon. If a curated burning of it symbolises what the ANC et al have and are doing to the country, that's pretty symbolic. Free speech recognises that. Have no fear, it gets restored to its full glory.

Free Speech Matters Episode.1: 'The Landscape is Darkening' – A Review of Freedom of Expression in South Africa

Welcome to the FSU SA's podcast series on free speech and everything pertinent to it good, bad or perplexing. The series will deal with local and international issues that either have a bearing on South Africa or could provide valuable lessons or insights for South Africans.

UCT Alumni, vote to promote the principles of liberty on the UCT Council!

Elections for UCT's Council are open until 23 April 2024. There are 4 nominees who stand for the principles of liberty, most importantly free speech and association. Such principles are foundational to any university currently, and the past decade has seen a whittling down of these crucial, unassailable principles. UCT Alumni, vote now!

The common law crime of defamation has been abolished!

South Africa has followed a trend in the democratic world to repeal the common law crime of defamation. Governments and leaders can use it to punish criticism and insults. But, is the government banking on the Hate Speech Bill to do some of the work of criminal defamation?

Crusade against ‘Islamophobia’ is creating a blasphemy law by the back door - warnings from the UK

Our associate organisation, the Free Speech Union in the UK, commissioned an essay about how the defining of "Islamophobia" could have a chilling effect on free speech. It could also introduce a blasphemy law through the backdoor. The implications could have resonance in South African, particularly due to the hostility of the ANC to Israel.

A frightening blow to science and free speech

A climate scientist sued a layman for defamation claiming that he had damaged his career and reputation with his articles mocking his scientific claims. The scientist won and, according to Andrew Kenny, that he did was a miscarriage of justice.

Press Release: Vigilance needed in testing ANC’s election strategy ‘regime-change’ claims

The ANC, including President Ramaphosa, Minister of International Affairs, Naledi Pandor, and Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola are making public comments that seek to use conspiracy theories and other shallow observations to imply that the ANC's failure at the polls will be the fault of the Israelis, and by implication, the Jews.

2024: A message from the Free Speech Union of South Africa (FSU SA)

This new year's message is our view on possible challenges to free speech to watch out for in 2024. Between the national and provincial election expected in May, and legislation awaiting the president's signature to turn them into law, complacency is not an option.