The SA National Editors’ Forum has urged the ANC to rise above the tweet that journalist Carien du Plessis sent about "pantypreneurs and tenderpreneurs" at the party’s 104th anniversary celebration.
Sanef chairperson Mpumelelo Mkhabela acknowledged that her remarks were "unfortunate and offensive".
"Sanef believes that while the ANC, or any political party, has a right to accept or reject applications for accreditation, it should not do so on the basis of views held by journalists."
He said Sanef understood that her tweet went beyond defensible commentary or opinion. He also said the party had a right to determine its internal processes.
But he implored the ruling party to "be true to its noble agenda to build a non-racial society and allow even those who might have made offensive remarks" to cover the celebrations.
The event is taking place at the weekend in Rustenburg.
ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa confirmed on Thursday that the party would ban Du Plessis from attending.
Earlier on Thursday, Du Plessis took a photo of the News Cafe in Rustenburg with the caption, "Seems Rusty News Cafe will be a choice hangout for pantypreneurs and tenderpreneurs at this weekend's #ANC104 bash".
The term "pantypreneur" is believed to be an insulting reference to women who use sex to gain favour with the political elite.
She apologised after receiving criticism on the social networking site for her comment.
Du Plessis was in Rustenburg covering the ANC's January 8th statement as a freelancer for the Mail & Guardian.
M&G editor Verashni Pillay said the newspaper would contact the political party to discuss its decision.
Kodwa accused Du Plessis of being a racist because the majority of people who attended ANC events were black.
"It does not only undermine, but dehumanises women, particularly those who attend... ANC events and majority of them are black and therefore her remarks are racist.”
Mkhabela also applauded eNCA for reacting swiftly with disciplinary measures after its senior anchor Andrew Barnes mocked Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga's pronunciation of the word "epitome".
The news reader did not report for his usual duties on Thursday and issued a public apology for his remarks.
Sanef urged journalists to not unnecessarily offend or cause hatred while on duty or in their private capacities.
Source: News24
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