"Sanef deplores the reported blatant act of violation of media freedom by visiting American musician R Kelly," the forum said in a statement.

This follows reports that the American music maestro had forced journalists in a press conference to sign contracts preventing them from publishing any material that he had not approved.

The contract went as far as threatening journalists in breach of the contract with a R800 000 defamation law suit.

Sanef viewed the document as an attempt to force journalists to commit themselves to censorship.

"Sanef calls on R Kelly and his team to desist from the reported acts of violation of media freedom."

The forum said if R Kelly had concerns about the country's journalism, he should raise them openly so that they can be addressed.

"We hope that his welcome visit will not be marred by controversy around the violation of media freedom," Sanef said.

Sapa

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