Denying the media access to the Nkandla disciplinary inquiry was wrong, Judge Piet Koen ruled in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday.

He upheld the applications by Media24, Times Media Group and the M&G to attend the inquiry.

“The media are duty bound to report with vigour, courage, integrity and responsibility on the Nkandla upgrades, including the disciplinary proceedings,” said Koen.