X trolls and harassment: Reflections from journalists in South Africa.

This article examines the experiences of South African journalists facing online trolling and harassment on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting how such attacks are predominantly gendered and politically motivated. Drawing on interviews with ten political journalists, the study finds that female journalists endure disproportionately severe abuse, including threats of rape and violence, while political actors and their supporters, notably the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and its leader Julius Malema, frequently instigate or amplify hostile trolling. These dynamics create a hostile digital environment that undermines press freedom and journalists' safety, with online threats often spilling into real-world consequences. Despite these challenges, journalists demonstrate resilience and emphasize the need for stronger legal protections, institutional support, and public education to safeguard journalism's democratic role in South Africa.