Economic Freedom Fighters and Others v Trevor Manuel
Case: Economic Freedom Fighters and Others v Trevor Andrew Manuel (711/2019)
Court: Supreme Court of Appeal
Date of hearing: 2 November 2020
Status: Finalised
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Case overview: The Media Monitoring Africa Trust (MMA), represented by Power & Associates, has been admitted as an amicus curiae in the appeal proceedings before the Supreme Court of Appeal in Economic Freedom Fighters and Others v Trevor Andrew Manuel 711/2019. The matter concerns a defamation claim brought by Mr Manuel against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as a result of a statement published by the EFF on Twitter on 27 March 2019.
At the hearing of this matter, MMA will present three arguments:
- The need to bear in mind the threat of disinformation in striking the appropriate balance between the right to freedom of expression and the rights to dignity and reputation.
- The proper approach to be taken towards the notion of the “reasonable reader” in the context of social media.
- The importance of effective and expeditious procedures and remedies in defamation proceedings relating to online publications.
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Court papers:
- MMA’s Application for Admission as an Amicus Curiae (5 March 2020).
- Court order admitting MMA (17 July 2020).
- MMA’s Heads of Argument (31 July 2020).
