Press Statement: NMT Media Foundation Flags Press Freedom Concerns After State House Incident
2026-02-02
The NMT Media Foundation has expressed concern following the treatment of journalist Jemima Beukes during an official State House event on February 2, 2026.
Beukes, a freelance journalist and founder of The Whistle, an independent online newsletter, was forcibly removed by security personnel after posing a question of public interest. She was threatened with arrest, and journalistic equipment was confiscated and later returned. The incident triggered online harassment and reports of further intimidation.
The Foundation notes the Presidency’s subsequent statement reaffirming its commitment to media freedom and professionalism. Public affirmation of constitutional protections for the media is important. Commitment to press freedom, however, requires consistency in conduct and accountability. Physical intimidation, threats, and interference with journalistic work undermine media freedom and create chilling effects, particularly for journalists covering public institutions.
The incident also highlights broader risks facing freelance and women journalists. Freelancers operate without institutional protection, making access restrictions and intimidation directly harmful to livelihood and safety. Such pressure causes psychological harm and increases vulnerability, especially for women journalists who face disproportionate harassment. The Foundation has called for accountability, protection of journalist safety, and clear signals that intimidation, retaliation, and abuse will not be tolerated.
Read the full NMT Media Foundation statement here.
Photo: Courtesy of NBC