‘Probe Dr Survé’s phone bugging’

THE ANC in the Western Cape has called for an investigation into reports that the offices of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings, including the telephone of its executive chairperson Dr Iqbal Survé, have been bugged.

In a statement, ANC Western Cape provincial convener Lerumo Kalako and co-ordinator Ronalda Nalumango said: “We call for this bugging to be thoroughly investigated.

“Those who believe that they can operate as if they are in an apartheid state must be brought before our courts so that we can see who is behind what seems to be a synchronised right-wing attack against some people.”

The party said in a statement: “This is an illegal operation directed at a company that has turned around a newspaper group that once followed a pro-DA line.

“Radical change came under Dr Survé. So much so that we no longer see the Independent Media Group as a relic of the past, which was beholden to Helen Zille.

“Dr Survé has promoted blacks, women and young people.

“They have been behind editorial changes, as well as promoting a new way of looking at our country and government.

“This new way has not gone down well with white conservatives and right-wingers. They have constantly been attacking Dr Survé and the Independent Group.

“We stand for media freedom and strongly condemn this illegal bugging, as well as other efforts to intimidate Dr Survé, his family and Sekunjalo employees.”

Meanwhile, the Concerned Young Peoples Forum of SA (CYPFSA) said in a statement: “We are well aware of those who have been vilifying Dr Survé and we will do everything to protect him and the Sekunjalo family.

“We will do this because we believe in the black excellence and radical voice that is Independent Media and its entities.”

“We further would love to request that the law enforcement agencies must act fast in finding these imbeciles who are paid to get rid of Dr Survé or we will find them ourselves.”

On previous reports about an assassination attempt on Dr Survé, CYPFSA said: “The attempt to assassinate Dr Survé is a long calculated one by those who cannot stand truth and reliable media. We are disturbed and angered by such an action.” |