Court Strikes Collen Mashawana’s Bid to Silence Daily Maverick Journalist

The South Gauteng High Court has dismissed businessman and philanthropist Collen Mashawana’s urgent gag order against investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh and the Daily Maverick.

Mashawana wanted the court to stop Myburgh from reporting on his business dealings and speaking at Daily Maverick’s upcoming The Gathering conference. His lawyers argued the coverage amounted to “public shaming.”

Gag order thrown out

On Wednesday, Acting Judge Alex Pullinger struck the matter from the roll and ordered Mashawana to pay costs. The ruling means Myburgh and the Daily Maverick remain free to continue reporting on the allegations.

The allegations stem from a year-long investigation into Mashawana’s links to the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and a R60 million Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) tender. Reports also linked his foundation to payments toward a luxury R16 million mansion owned by IDT figure Tebogo Malaka.

Foundation responds

In a statement, the Collen Mashawana Foundation said it respected the court process but stressed that no finding had been made on the truth of the allegations.

“The court has not explained the reasons for striking the matter from the roll. These allegations remain unproven. This is not a fight against media freedom, but against irresponsible journalism that damages reputations without proof,” the foundation said.

Media freedom debate

The case drew attention online, with many South Africans seeing it as part of a wider battle between politicians, business figures, and independent media houses. Free speech advocates welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for press freedom in an environment where investigative journalists often face intimidation.

For now, Mashawana remains under scrutiny, while the Daily Maverick is expected to continue its reporting.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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