Media

Should freedom of speech be unlimited or should it be circumscribed to limit harm - a debate in a park

Campaign for Free Expression hosted debates about free speech on a Saturday in a park. It was a festival of music, debates and all round fun. The venue was the Kingston Frost Park in Brixton, Johannesburg. It was a family affair - kids were running around having a ball. Adults were lazying about on the grass drinking quality coffee and food set up for sale. Terence Corrigan spoke in favour of unlimited speech and this was his address.

Podcast - Free Speech Matters Episode 7: Stifling debate critical about 'gender affirming care'

Sara Gon interviews Dr. Janet Giddy, of First Do No Harm Southern Africa (FDNHSA), who discusses the difficulties faced by those who subscribe to evidence-based treatment of gender dysphoria, rather than transgender activists who promote 'gender affirming care'.

The telos of UCT Faculty of Health Sciences: truth or social justice?

UCT’s FHS held a symposium entitled “LGBTQIA+ Health and Advocacy Symposium”. FHS's primary aim is on-demand, state funded ‘gender-affirming care’, including the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgery. Those who support a scientific, medically evidenced approach, including First Do No Harm Southern Africa were invited to attend then uninvited.

How about some chill from government for MacG

Crassness and vulgarity on podcasts can be condemned by anyone and everyone in society but perspective is important - our society has many deeply troubling issues to confront. Losing it over a celebrity podcaster's poor taste and crass utterances is a waste of energy. Nicholas Lorimer writes about this storm in a teacup and, additionally, voices grave concern that government will step in and regulate our free speech.

Press release: Government, don't touch us on our podcasters, even if they are vulgar, crass and childish

The extremely popular podcaster MacG asked some very vulgar and crass questions to a celebrity in an interview. Government wants to step in and protect us from such dross. FSU SA says society can handle this stuff; government must not circumscribe our vibrant podcasting industry. Government can easily decide that podcasts by serious analysts criticising government policy should receive its attentions.

Free Speech Union South Africa (FSU SA) is now an independent entity

FSU SA became an independent entity on 1 May 2025 and Sara Gon will remain managing director.

Free Speech Matters Episode 6: Australia’s online safety tzar exposed cheating with Dr. Reuben Kirkham

Sara Gon interviews Dr. Reuben Kirkham, a director of Free Speech Union Australia, which won a case against the eSafety [online] Commissioner of Australia. The Commissioner was found to have been illegally taking down social media posts!

Free speech − that old chestnut. Again

Steven Boykie Sidley discusses the global trend in the West - on the right or left - freedom of expression has been the worst affected aspect of democracy. He warns that no matter our political preferences, we ignore this trend at our peril.