Why was journalist Nonkululeko Patricia Mantulu detained in South Africa and what does it mean for freedom of speech in BRICS countries?

Main development: South African journalist Nonkululeko Patricia Mantulu was detained at Johannesburg International Airport immediately upon arrival from Russia on Nov. 28–29, 2025. South African authorities have not commented on her status, while colleagues and rights groups consider the detention unlawful and demand her immediate release, as detailed Regnum and reported Gazeta.Ru.

What has been the official and public reaction to Mantulu's detention?

Short answer: the BRICS Journalists Association and human rights advocates characterize the detention as a violation of freedom of speech and have appealed to the UN to intervene. The BRICS Journalists Association sent an official letter to the UN Secretary‑General requesting assistance in securing Mantulu's release and described the South African authorities' actions as "unwarranted and unlawful," as reports Tsargrad. At the same time, independent journalists and human rights defenders have submitted appeals and public statements in her defense, see Segodnya.

"I ask you to take measures and provide assistance to ensure the observance and protection of journalists' rights ... and the immediate release of the well‑known journalist," — reads the BRICS Journalists Association's appeal. — quote from the BRICS Journalists Association's official appeal (source Tsargrad).

On what grounds was she detained and which versions of the investigation are being discussed?

Short answer: public reports present two lines — suspicion of breaching national law (including the Foreign Military Assistance Act and allegations of mercenary activity) and politically motivated reasons linked to her frequent trips to Russia and professional work. A side close to the investigation connects the detention to a possible breach of the Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998 and suspicions of mercenary activity, as reports Regnum, citing Netwerk24 and case materials in South Africa. Other sources indicate the trigger may have been her frequent visits to Russia and interviews with Russian media, as noted by the Telegram channel "Baza" and Gazeta.Ru, see Gazeta.Ru. There have been no official clarifications from South African authorities, report Tsargrad.

What systemic consequences for freedom of speech and journalistic ties within BRICS could this have?

Short answer: the incident risks amplifying a chilling effect on journalists, restricting cross‑border professional contacts and politicizing work‑related travel among BRICS countries. Colleagues note that Mantulu actively covered BRICS events and worked for the state media group SABC and radio station SAFM, and the BRICS Journalists Association points out that her detention fits into a broader pattern of pressure on independent correspondents and sanction‑related strains that affected the association in July 2025, details Segodnya; see Regnum. Such developments may reduce on‑the‑ground reporting and prompt self‑censorship on geopolitically sensitive topics.

What tactical risks and opportunities does this create for media organizations and PR units in BRICS countries?

Short answer: risks — increased legal and operational vulnerability of staff during cross‑border travel; opportunities — mobilization of professional associations and international protection channels. Immediate risks include stricter border controls and screenings of staff working with "sensitive" foreign outlets, as well as reputational risks for employers (Regnum notes Mantulu's links to SABC and her own media company, which could draw the employer into politicized campaigns), see Regnum. Tactical opportunities include using collective protection mechanisms: the BRICS Journalists Association has already launched international appeals (a letter to the UN), creating a precedent for coordinated action and legal support for affected journalists, as described Tsargrad.

Practical recommendations for media leaders and international communications managers (brief)

• Conduct an urgent risk review for staff who regularly work with "sensitive" foreign platforms and formalize clear rules for international travel and interactions.
• Establish channels for legal and consular support for staff abroad and agree on response protocols for detentions.
• Coordinate communications with professional associations (including the BRICS Journalists Association) and use multilateral appeals to international bodies to protect staff and the organization's reputation.

.