South Africa 2015 violations & victories August 18 Court suspect smashes camera in SABC cameraman’s face Amukelani Rikhotso, on trial for allegedly causing the accident that killed Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane reacted violently when SABC cameraman Llywellyn Carstens began taking pictures of him walking down the street after appearing in court. He smashed the camera in Carstens’ face. Carstens said, “You know in court when you want a shot, you follow people. I followed him down the street and he turned and smashed the camera in my face.” He laid a charge of common assault and malicious damage to property. September 20 ANC pursues scrapping of criminal defamation The ANC held a workshop in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, to discuss its announcement that it plans to scrap criminal defamation law. It stated that defamatory statements made through the media should not be considered a criminal offence. It was seeking the views of media and other organisations upholding freedom of expression and received total support. Draft legislation to scrap the law is expected to come before the cabinet in the first half of 2016. November 22 Deputy President Ramaphosa recognises critical role of the press After several failed attempts to arrange a meeting as a continuation of previous annual meetings between the Cabinet and the press, Sanef and the Presidency decided on this date for this year’s meeting at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria. The proceedings were chaired by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa who emphasised the important role played by the media in society in reporting the news and holding the government to account. He announced the revival of a project to create a Presidential Press Corps.