The Last Word: Whose Ox is Gored?

Abstract

At issue is the suppression of news in South Africa. Ken Owen, editor of Busi- ness Day, states in this article: "There is a vast difference between a system that limits expression by law, subject to the judgement of the courts, and one which seeks to impose a vaguely de- fined set of restraints that go beyond the law". He argues that South Africa has been moving from the former system to the latter, casting law aside. But calls for censorship of the news, couched as "greater responsibility", or "better judgement", even "patriotism", ema- nate from all quarters. All depending on whose ox is gored, writes Mr Owen.