The New Age reacts to Malema criticism

2012-03-26 07:42

Johannesburg - The New Age newspaper on Sunday reacted to comments made by suspended ANC Youth League president Julius Malema about the paper's news coverage.

"We are not surprised at Mr Malema's attack on The New Age," editor Ryland Fisher said.

"He has a history of fighting the media."

He was responding to comments Malema made when he accepted his award at the National Press Club's Newsmaker of the Year function in Pretoria on Friday evening.

Factional politics

Malema took a swipe at the New Age newspaper for taking sides in "the factional politics of the ANC".

"For sure you know that there are some recently launched newspapers after Polokwane conference, that have taken sides and they are not ashamed.

"And the New Age, that is what it is ...belongs to a faction and promotes individuals and their factional agendas," Malema said.

"The ANC Youth League is not anti-media, we would fight for the protection and independence of the media without fear or favour," he said, sparking a chorus of applause and laughter from delegates.

Fisher said Malema was entitled to his views, but The New Age was proud to produce an independent, objective newspaper.

"We do not seek the endorsement or support of Mr Malema or any political party. We will continue to treat him with the respect he deserves and will continue trying to reflect all sides of the complex political situation in South Africa."

- SAPA