Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2017/11/08

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has condemned the threats against investigative journalist Jacques Pauw following the release of his book The Presidents Keepers.

The explosive expose which will be officially launched at Exclusive Books in Hyde Park Wednesday has unearthed allegations against President Jacob Zuma relating to corruption and irregularities with his tax affairs.

On Friday, the South African State Security Agency (SSA) issued Pauw and his publisher, NB Publishers, with a “cease and desist” order from publishing his controversial book.

The South African Revenue service has also threatened legal action against him.

Civil society coalition Future South Africa will be picketing outside Hyde Park Mall in support of Pauw’s book launch.

Speaking to Radio Islam, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Zaakirah Vadi says the picket follows attempts by certain state agencies to pressurize Pauw in to withdrawing the publication.

“We felt it was important to come out and emphasize our stand point with regards to the freedom of speech, freedom of media and fulfilling their role in society.”

Vadi says the threats against Pauw is unacceptable.

“We also want to call on South Africans to rally behind people who have come out and spoke against state capture, whether its public servants, whistle blowers or media.”

Vadi is adamant that the book is certainly in the interest of the public and adds to the mounting documentation about how South Africa has been captured.

(Edited by Faizel Patel)