Bongani Majola
The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has condemned a decision by Jonathan Ball publishers not to let Robert Kirby’s Songs of the Cockroach see the light of day at least not under its imprint.
Renowned for his scathing satire, the Mail & Guardian’s television columnist’s book was refused publication on the basis that defamation action may be taken against the publishers by the Democratic Alliance and other characters or their families mentioned in the book.
The FXI said it was deeply distressed that such a decision was taken on the grounds that “Kirby apparently did not disclose that the name of one of the characters was an anagram for a public figure” a point Kirby contests. However, the publisher believes that the non-disclosure of the anagram is sufficient ground for cancellation of the contract.
Ball said the decision was a commercial one and “the company did not want to open itself up to further defamation action”.
The FXI lambasted the decision, calling it “de facto censorship, an excuse for not publishing, rather than a substantial reason”.