The University of South Africa v EdNews.Africa

Case: The University of South Africa v EdNews.Africa and Others (Case No. 192997/2026)

Court: Pretoria High Court

Date of hearing: 18 August 2026

Judge: Collis J

Status: Awaiting hearing

Last updated: 14 August 2026

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EdNews.Africa and journalist Edwin Naidu, the First and Second Respondents, are opposing an urgent defamation interdict application brought against them by the University of South Africa (“UNISA“) in the Pretoria High Court.

In its application, which was instituted on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, UNISA seeks, among others, a take-down order of certain reportage published on the EdNews.Africa website, and an order to restrain the First and Second Respondents from further reportage on certain matters in the midst of an alleged “ongoing governance crisis” at the University.

The First and Second Respondents oppose the urgent application, which they argue constitutes a “gagging order”, on the following grounds:

1. The application is not urgent as the impugned articles have been online for over three weeks and other publications are also running the story;
2. No exceptional circumstances exist to ventilate this matter in urgent court;
3. The alleged harm will not be remedied by granting the relief that UNISA seeks;
4. UNISA has failed to comply with the Uniform Rules of Court in bringing the application;
5. There is a reasonable inference that the application has been brought for an ulterior purpose;
6. The impugned statements are true and in the public interest, or they constitute reasonable publication; and
7. The requirements for an interim (and final) interdict have not been met.