---
title: "Watch – Section 16: A powerful look at courage and resilience in South African journalism"
description: "In a time when media integrity is under siege and disinformation spreads rapidly, Section 16 offers an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of four fearless South African journalists: Ferial Haffajee, Marianne Thamm, Pauli van Wyk, and Caryn Dolley."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Emilie Gambade Malibongwe Tyilo"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/emilie-gambade-and-malibongwe-tyilo/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-11-08-watch-section-16-a-powerful-look-at-courage-and-resilience-in-south-african-journalism/"
published: "2024-11-08T01:02:15"
updated: "2024-11-08T21:41:42"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 200
---

# Watch – Section 16: A powerful look at courage and resilience in South African journalism

> In a time when media integrity is under siege and disinformation spreads rapidly, Section 16 offers an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of four fearless South African journalists: Ferial Haffajee, Marianne Thamm, Pauli van Wyk, and Caryn Dolley.

By Emilie Gambade Malibongwe Tyilo · Published 8 November 2024, 03:02 SAST · Updated 8 November 2024, 23:41 SAST

## Key points
- In a gripping cinematic exploration, "Section 16" showcases the fierce resilience of four South African women journalists battling the dark forces of misinformation, reminding us that in the digital age, the pen is not just mightier than the sword—it’s also a shield against the trolls.
- Daily Maverick's Emilie Gambade and Malibongwe Tyilo unveil *Section 16*, a film spotlighting the resilience of South African women journalists.
- Inspired by UNESCO's research, the film addresses the escalating challenges faced by investigative journalists in the digital age.
- It features the compelling narratives of Ferial Haffajee, Marianne Thamm, Pauli van Wyk, and Caryn Dolley, highlighting their battles against online harassment.
- Ultimately, *Section 16* is a powerful testament to hope and strength amid the relentless fight against misinformation.

## Content

In 2022, Daily Maverick Emilie Gambade and Malibongwe Tyilo produced and directed a film titled Section 16. The film was inspired by the findings of [The Chilling,](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377223) “a global research project by UNESCO and the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), led by ICFJ’s Dr Julie Posetti and Nabeelah Shabbir with contributions by 25 international researchers”.

In an era where the credibility of the media is under scrutiny and fake news proliferates rapidly, the role of investigative journalists becomes crucial; their activity on social media often serves as a vital counter to misinformation.

Yet, the digital landscape resembles a game of cat and mouse, with journalists and online bullies clashing in a relentless struggle.

The film sheds a light on the personal experiences and remarkable contributions of four South African women journalists: Ferial Haffajee, Marianne Thamm, Pauli van Wyk, and Caryn Dolley.

It looks into the factors that shifted the conversation surrounding their published stories, the origins of the attacks they faced, and the deeply personal and brutal nature of those assaults.

Ultimately, Section 16 tells a story of hope, inspiration, resilience, and extraordinary strength.

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPa4gJepD5Y)

Produced and directed by: Emilie Gambade
Filmed and directed by: Malibongwe Tyilo
Musical score: Bernard Kotze

![Image](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SEC16_Poster_Jan2024.jpg)