President Jacob Zuma has been urged to rein in the ANC's Youth League and bring his bodyguards to book.

Presenting Zuma with the national newsmaker of the year award in Pretoria last night, Primedia's head of news and corporate affairs Yusuf Abramjee, in his capacity as chairman of the national press club, warned that an attack on the media was an attack on democracy and the constitution itself.

"We cannot sit back and watch our reporters and photographers being manhandled by VIP bodyguards. How do we allow VIP protectors to act unlawfully by deleting photographs from cameras because the photographers took pictures of convoys? Police officers allegedly harassed our colleagues this week in two separate incidents, and this must stop."

In response, Zuma assured the country that his administration would respect the editorial independence of the media.

But, taking a dig at sensational headlines, he said the government knew that the media were businesses and had to be profitable.

"Editors would... be more inclined to lead with a story on a prominent person's lifestyle than one that celebrates national achievements or encourages working towards achieving developmental goals.

"There should be a balance so that the media, as a powerful institution, can also become a vehicle that promotes unity, reconciliation and a better life for all South Africans."

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa would be meeting with the South African National Editors' Forum to discuss the claims against presidential guards.

Zuma said media freedom was enshrined in the constitution, which allows the media to report on almost anything, within the ambit of the law.

"We also celebrate our right to comment on what the media reports, how it reports, and the impact we believe it has on society."