Journalists deserve privacy too.

“Somizi was wrong to publish a journalist contact information and ask followers to invade her”

Somizi “Somgaga” Mhlongo a public figure who is known for many talents erupted a war on social media against journalist, Julia of City Press publication. It all started when journalist Julia sent the star questions via text message regarding allegations that he and his husband Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo are in the process of a divorce. Somizi responded:” Please make my year and write the story as I will sue the living hell out of you and your publication for this crap you are asking me….” he then took a screengrab of the conversation and shared it on his Instagram for his 3.7 million followers.

 The screengrab had the journalists personal phone number, he said that she had previously wrote an article about him which contained false information. The journalist was then harassed by Somizi’s fans who threatened to rape her and make her life a living hell. It is not the first time the idols presenter is brawling with journalists, Kabelo Khumalo of Sunday World approached Somizi for comment following reports that production on Dinner with Somizi had been put on hold amidst legal proceedings instituted by Hasting Moeng. Somizi then insulted the journalist and published their texts with his followers. Although he does not literally tell his followers to harass journalists, he is giving people the platform to do so. Firstly, I do not agree with Somizi publishing private information such as personal phone numbers on a public platform such as Instagram that has cyber-bullies. It is an unlawful act which can be acted upon in court. Secondly Somizi is a public figure and his right to privacy is recognised but limited because of his status. 

It is the journalist’s job to report any matter they come across that can be justified as ‘public interest’. Sending questions to him is giving him the right to respond to allegations, it is his responsibility to respond to the question for a factual story to be published. Later, Somizi removed the post and took to his Instagram reel to address his feelings regarding the matter. He stood on his right to invade the journalist’s privacy as he felt that she would feel how it feels for him. And he said he does not apologize for what he did but does admit being wrong for publishing her numbers. Somizi said he did all this because he will do anything and everything to protect his family and personal space. He recognized his status in the public and that if journalists report stories about him it should be factual.  Journalists have a right to do their job to seek the truth when information falls on their lap. South African National Editors Forum has called on Mhlongo to apologise on all his social media and tell his fans to stop harassing journalists. SANEFS calls this incident a direct attack on media freedom platforms, the forum also encourages journalists to lay charges of intimidation against Mhlongo.