Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 05-11-2017
While a new book by investigative journalist Jacques Pauw has unearthed allegations against President Jacob Zuma relating to corruption and irregularities with his tax affairs, concerns have been raised about a PDF version being widely circulated on social media following reports the book might be withdrawn.
Yesterday the book, “The President’s Keepers” was shared hundreds of times on social media site WhatsApp and other platforms with many saying that downloading the book without paying for it is illegal and tantamount to stealing the hard work of the author.
NB Publishers say they have received a cease and desist letter from the State Security Agency, demanding that they withdraw the book from all stores, while SARS says it seeking legal advice on what steps to take, including but not limited to criminal and civil investigations against Pauw.
Huffington Post Editor-at-large Ferial Haffajee says people should rather buy the book and support investigative journalism.
“The President’s Keepers is an absolutely wonderful and important book to help us understand what has happened to our country. I think it’s very important that we go out and buy it or even download it on a kindle. The bootleg copies that are being circulated on PDF injure investigative journalism.”
in a Facebook post, Jacques Pauw says while he has been inundated by people wanting to pay for the free PDF’s of the book, it isn’t about the money.
“I am not going to accept money. This is my take: If you have a PDF copy and can afford to buy the book, please do it…If you cannot afford, go for it and read it. You have my blessing.”
NB Publishers says their lawyers are now dealing with the matter and there’s no intention of withdrawing the book at this stage.
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