Toni Erling

Taking a glance at developments covered in this column over the last three years, Toni Erling and Reggie Manyakara ask where freedom of expression stands in South Africa today. How do the events weigh up?

The predominance of a male-orientated editorial focus in South African media is not only biased, it violates the highest laws in the land. Toni Erling takes issue.

When can the media use copyrighted material without obtaining the permission of the "author" of the work? Toni Erling answers the question in light of the Nelson Mandela art furore.

Are the decisions of South Africa’s courts influenced by politics, culture or race? Toni Erling looks at the question in light of a defamation action brought against the Mail & Guardian.

Restraints protect the employer at the expense of the employee – they restrict the employee’s freedom of trade in some way. Our courts will not overturn a restraint of trade agreement just because it is unfair, says Toni Erling, but there are instances where an employee might have an out.

Has coverage of the Ngcuka/Zuma affair verged on the libellous? Greg Hamburger and Toni Erling of RWR explain that the 1998 Bogoshi case gives the media unprecedented leeway on potentially defamatory comment.

With ‘trial by media’ one of government’s favourite diversionary slogans, what happens when the big corruption scandals eventually make it to a real trial? Criticism of the judiciary is a criminal offence, cautions Toni Erling.

Once the only site of resistance to Daniel Arap Moi’s tyrannical regime, Kenya’s newspapers are now being co-opted by President Mwai Kibaki’s Narc coalition. George Ogola laments the decline of his country’s strongest political opposition.

Although the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and various Acts of Parliament firmly entrench the right of South African women to workplace equality, reality is lagging behind the ideal. Toni Erling elaborates.

Should all South Africans be entitled to watch or listen to all sporting events on television or radio? Is it acceptable for a subscription or regional television or radio broadcaster to acquire the exclusive television or radio rights to broadcast all or some sports events?

How important is the truth in defamation cases? It can be crucial to the publisher, writes Toni Erling of law firm RWR.

Is it permissible, in exceptional circumstances, to intercept and/or monitor communications which can be transmitted via a telephone line, including telephone calls, emails and faxes, without authorisation of the parties involved?