The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted with concern, the circulation of a purported “email” exchange claimed to be a conversation between a City Press journalist and a supposed handler.
The “email” surfaced following the publication of a story by the City Press in relation to the canned R5 billion deal, involving Thuja Capital Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
City Press has stated that the email is a fabrication and as SANEF, we believe them.
SANEF also welcomes the call by the City Press to anyone who claims to have evidence – proving wrongdoing on the part of any of their journalists – to come forward with such.
As SANEF we understand that there will be those who are not happy with the reporting, hence the smear campaign against reporter Mphumzi Zuzile and the City Press.
Journalists have long been subjected to smear campaigns, bullying and attempts to impugn their integrity.
SANEF stands for ethical and high standards in journalism. As an organisation, we would be the first to condemn any corrupt or unethical behaviour by any journalist.
Not only does the spread of fake news malign the integrity of the people targeted by such claims but also threatens their physical safety and that of their families.
In recent times we have seen a rise in deliberate disinformation and misinformation which is intended to not only mislead audiences but also meant to destabilise societies. The spread of fake news is much more destructive and not just an innocuous act of sharing content.
That’s why we call on members of the public to try and verify the information they receive – through reputable news organisations – before sharing it with others.
We hope that those with the necessary digital skills can investigate the matter and trace the origins of the purported email – including the time when it first surfaced on social media. We also call on law enforcement to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves.
Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
SANEF presents an exciting opportunity for early to mid-career journalists to receive mentoring from international experts. Through a project implemented by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the Guild is offering funding, editorial and legal support to produce high-quality journalism on issues related to media capture in the South African press. In this context, media capture refers to a set of negative and limiting influences on media freedom; these range from commercial to political/policy factors. It can include both state and non-state actors. Media capture also explores the confluence of the two.
The mentoring includes one-to-one support (usually remote) to provide feedback on story angles, journalism quality and accuracy, and ethical considerations, whilst developing the content. Successful applicants will also receive pre-publication review from highly skilled lawyers to help identify and navigate relevant legal risks and considerations.
Participating journalists must commit to all components of the scheme and will sign an agreement to this effect. These components include:
Producing at least one item of content on an issue of media capture.
Participating in a mentoring scheme to support the development of content, focused on quality and ethical conduct.
Participating in a legal pre-publication review mentorship process focussed on identifying legal risks in the story, and advisory on how to mitigate these.
Participating in the mentoring scheme for its entire duration (approximately 2 hours per week, over 6 weeks).
Journalists will not be considered to have fulfilled the scheme until they have completed each of these elements.
*We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, please apply as soon as possible.
BENEFITS OF THE SCHEME
If selected to participate in the mentoring scheme, you will:
Receive a financial contribution to cover expenses associated with research, investigation, and the subsequent publication of the story.
Be provided with editorial guidance from highly experienced journalism mentors right up until publication/broadcast.
Have access to a lawyer who will guide you on how to mitigate legal risks in developing your piece, such as libel and defamation. The lawyer will also review your story pre-publication.
ELIGIBILITY
We are looking for:
Journalists with at least two to eight years of professional experience.
Journalists who are accredited and belong to a professional body.
Journalists who are familiar with investigative journalism, reporting on media freedom and/or freedom of expression issues in general.
Journalists who have a strong motivation to learn about and understand these issues.
Journalists able to devote time working on their story and commit to the mentoring process as described above (2 hours a week, over 6 weeks). This duration is indicative of the time spent with the mentor and lawyer during the stated period.
Both freelancers and staff journalists. Journalists working for a news organisation will need prior written consent from their editor or newsrooms to take part.
Journalists working in any medium or multiple media (print, online, radio or television).
Journalists based in South Africa and/or working for one or more South African media organisations.
Journalists must have fluent English.
Journalists must be ready to share their content/story plans with the designated mentors/lawyers involved in the mentoring scheme.
FUNDING
Successful applicants will receive funding to cover expenses associated with research, investigation, and the subsequent publication of the story.
APPLICATIONS
A story pitch: this should include a strong story idea related to issues of media capture and a brief summary of a plan to execute the research and drafting of the story.
Curriculum Vitae.
Two examples of your work: broadcast journalists can send in their scripts and a summary. If this work is in local language, please provide an English translation. If it is online, please share a link so that the web page can be translated.
A letter from your editor consenting to your participation in the mentoring process and, ideally, their commitment to publish the story.
If the letter from your editor does not explicitly state that the story will be published, we will still consider your application.
Candidates are requested to submit an expense budget.
*Please note that the mentoring schemes does not guarantee publication of the content developed through the mentoring scheme. The content may be marked with the following attribution:
This content was developed thanks to a grant administered by SANEF. The project received funding, editorial and legal support from the Thomson Reuters Foundation as part of its wider, global media freedom programme, which aims to strengthen free, fair and informed societies. The information contained in this content belongs solely to the author, and is not associated with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Thomson Reuters, Reuters, nor any other affiliates.
Are you an independent print, radio, or TV newsroom in the very early stages of embracing digital media? If so, this programme could be exactly what you’re looking for.
SANEF recognises the critical importance of community media to the overall diversity of the media industry. However, community media operate in a challenging economic environment. Many print and broadcast newsrooms struggle to diversify their content distribution and revenue options to include digital platforms with potential future growth.
To address this, SANEF invites independent newsrooms to join community media digitisation drive to be a part of the second call of the programme.
This programme is aimed at assisting print and broadcast community media organisations to map out their online media strategies, and to develop sustainable websites, workflows and other digital media platforms.
Furthermore, the programme will assist newsrooms to enhance their content creation and distribution practices, while fully using all available digital tools.
Photo Caption: Right to Left: Chris Mcinga (MeD8 Media), Sithembile Zondo (North Coast Radio), Monwabisi Khininda (Ikhwezi laseMthatha), Langelihle Lucas Chagwe (Izwi Lomphakathi Newspaper)
This second call will help participants set up tools and workflows for digital newsgathering, multimedia production, content management, as well as publication to the web and social media. Optional modules such as streaming, podcasting services, and different platforms (e.g. WhatsApp, TikTok) will also be provided.
Training and ongoing support will be provided by a help desk, the Community Media Support Service (CMSS).
Currently, there are already some community media print publishers and a community radio station participating in the SANEF Community Media Digitisation Drive.
To qualify, your organisation will need to:
Be a community media organisation that lacks or has an underperforming digital presence.
Primarily operate in the community media sector (print and/or broadcast).
Have at least 3 years of experience in regular production and dissemination of news content to a defined audience. Basic existing systems for gathering news and information, editing, and other processing content for publication and distribution.
Have staff and/or volunteers with the necessary basic skills (computer literacy: use of internet browsers, Word processors) to integrate, operate, update, and sustain the websites, tools, and processes that they learn about and receive during the pilot.
Have healthy relationships with local businesses that would be open to trying new or additional forms of advertising and partnerships.
Subscribe to and abide by the South African Press Code of the Press Council and/or the BCCSA Code.
Be registered as a company, co-operative, or NPO.
Applications are open until 20 October 2023
An independent panel of media experts will assess the applications. The panel’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
This is a second call for applications. Organisations that applied in response to the first call should not apply again as their applications will automatically be considered for the second round.
Applications are open to independent publishers/community broadcasters with or without existing websites.
The specific support provided to each selected participant will be customised according to their specific needs. For example, applicants who already have a WordPress website will probably not receive a new website but, depending on the project team’s evaluation of their existing sites, might receive support to improve their existing sites.
Selected participants will also play a mentorship role to support others, to encourage skills transfer within the sector.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Following an earlier statement that promised to meet with Standard Bank, the South African National Editor’s Forum (SANEF) met with the bank yesterday, Friday, 22 September 2023, to discuss the unfortunate incident that happened at their head offices in Rosebank, where a Daily Maverick (DM) journalist was harshly removed by the bank’s security.
The meeting noted the letter of apology sent to Daily Maverick earlier today. SANEF noted that Daily Maverick has accepted the apology and will meet with Standard Bank early next month.
“One of the key agreements in the meeting was that journalists’ work needs to be respected and they must be afforded the space to do their work. Further, the rise in threats, intimidation, and harassment of particularly women journalists needs to come to an end,” says Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF Chairperson.
The meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect, acknowledging the important role that the media plays in society and recognising the tough environments and conditions under which the media have to operate.
“We applaud SANEF for the direct, firm, honest, humane, respectful and principled manner in which they approached this matter. We appreciate the opportunity extended by SANEF to engage with Standard Bank. We hold the media in very high regard and reaffirm our commitment to supporting freedom of the press. A free media is a central pillar of our Constitutional democracy. Equally, a free and unhindered media is needed to create and maintain the conditions for inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” says Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank Group CEO.
The parties discussed the protocols required to ensure that journalists stay safe as they conduct their day-to-day reporting. SANEF used the opportunity to reiterate the importance of prior engagement when media attend at volatile situations that involve protests and conflict.
“Standard Bank is deeply committed to our Constitution and to supporting economic and human development in South Africa. We are, therefore, a firm and steady supporter of the rule of law and of media freedom. We will continue to defend and uphold these fundamental rights,” concludes Tshabalala.
SANEF reiterates that Standard Bank should ensure that their security personnel never physically tackle and intimidate journalists again.
Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) is disturbed by the recent incidents of aggression and violence against journalists while they are doing their job.
The first incident unfolded on Tuesday, 19 September, where the security personnel at Standard Bank, manhandled Daily Maverick reporter Lerato Mutsila while she was on duty. Mutsila was covering the Extinction Rebellion protest at the bank’s Johannesburg headquarters.
The incident involved the unacceptable deletion of photos and videos from Ms. Mutsila’s phone and her violent removal from the bank’s premises by security personnel.
We note that a charge of assault and unlawful deprivation of property has been filed with the South African Police Service (SAPS) by the journalist in response to this unacceptable behaviour.
Ms. Mutsila says her attempts to identify herself as a member of the media were ignored. Instead, she was subjected to intimidation, and physical aggression, and forcibly removed from the building by at least four male security guards, acting upon the instruction of the bank’s group manager for Internal Protection Services.
SANEF has been in contact with the leadership of Standard Bank, the sponsors of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, and will soon be meeting with them to iron out these issues. We are encouraged by the willingness of Standard Bank to resolve the matter.
In another incident, eNCA reporter Hloni Mtimkulu was physically manhandled and pushed out of a South African Post Office branch while she was interviewing government grant beneficiaries on their recent experience with the non-payment of grants.
The post office is a public institution and journalists have a right to do their jobs. The Post Office cannot dictate to beneficiaries who they should be talking to.
SANEF will also write to Minister of Communications Mondli Gungubele, to express its displeasure at the behaviour of the staff at the Post Office.
In Makhanda, our colleague Anna Majavu – who works for Grocotts Mail – was harassed while covering a case at the local Magistrates’ Court.
SANEF fully supports the Advisory Board for Grocott’s Mail in expressing its condemnation of the attack on Majavu – who encountered threats, harassment, and physical violence.
We reiterate the point that members of the public, who are unhappy with certain reporting have channels available to them to express their unhappiness. The Press Ombudsman is there to adjudicate any dispute between members of the public and a publication – free of charge just as the BCCSA adjudicates complaints relating to broadcasters.
We encourage communities to utilise these available platforms.
In conclusion, SANEF believes that the safety of our journalists and media freedom are fundamental democratic principles that all peace-loving South Africans should safeguard.
Any form of violence, intimidation, or threats against journalists is anathema to the South African constitution.
The behaviour of the staff at the Post Office demonstrated an attitude that has become all too familiar for most South Africans whenever they have to deal with public institutions.
That is an attitude of rudeness, disrespect, and even violence. Such behaviour is unacceptable and runs contrary to the principles of a free and democratic society. It is a serious infringement of press freedom, which is enshrined in the Constitution.
Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
SANEF Chairperson Sbu Ngalwa addressing the Nat Nakasa Awards.
17 September 2023
On the 16th of September 2023, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) gathered in Sandton to celebrate the exceptional winners of the 25th Nat Nakasa Awards for Courageous Journalism.
The Nat Nakasa Awards recognise a special element in journalism – courage, fearlessness, and an unyielding commitment to serving the people of South Africa despite insurmountable obstacles.
The Nat Nakasa Award for Media Integrity was presented to the news agency GroundUp’s journalists, Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons. The award for the Nat Nakasa Award for Community Media went to Anton van Zyl, the publisher of the Limpopo Mirror and the Zoutpansberger.
Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF chairperson expressed his delight thus: “Your courage and dedication inspire us all. Courage and bravery are not easy to come by. This year, our distinguished panel of judges has chosen to honour individuals whose work embodies these principles.”
“These awards stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of journalists who go above and beyond in their pursuit of truth, even in the face of daunting challenges,” he says.
SANEF was honoured to have Justice Zukisa Tshiqi of the Constitutional Court, a member of the South African Women Judge’s Association, also involved in various mentorship programs, as our keynote speaker. Her theme of the absolute importance of truth and transparency both in the media and judiciary was inspiring and this will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of courageous journalists.
Judge Tshiqi said; “The Constitutional Court has recognised that the work done by the journalists is very crucial in our democracy … journalists contribute in ensuring that there is transparency and accountability in the exercise of public and private power.”
The awards’ sponsor, Gaffar Hassam, Group Executive – Corporate Affairs, SanlamAllianz, noted, “Sanlam’s partnership with SANEF is on its 8th year and continues to grow in recognition of Sanlam’s ‘s commitment to media freedom.”
“Nat’s sense of justice was so strong that in his pursuit of truth, he chose exile from his native land, travelling to New York on a Niemann Fellowship, without a passport. Just an exit permit. An exit permit from his country of birth meant he was banished and unable to return home and we will continue to honour his legacy,” he told the audience.
In their citation Anton van Zyl, the judges remarked, “It is very difficult to operate in the space of community media. There is not that much money to make because advertisers focus on commercial media to reach out to consumers. The challenges remain despite the government having made promises that part of its advertising should go to community media. When a journalist like Anton van Zyl, who is the publisher of the Limpopo Mirror and the Zoutpansberger, continues to make a difference in this space, we need to commend them for the good work.”
Those who have worked closely with Van Zyl attest to his generosity in sharing his extensive knowledge with other small community-based publishers. He has been a driving force in the Association of Independent Publishers’ sustainability committee.
The judges’ citation of Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons reads, “When the Thabo Bester story broke, it was unbelievable. We congratulate GroundUp‘s efforts not to give up on the suspicions that Bester was not dead but living large after escaping from jail. He faked his death. The GroundUp stories were so accurate in reflecting the difference that media can make in life. The story touched on bravery as well as social justice.
“Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons rocked the boat of corruption that happened at Mangaung Correctional Centre, which involved senior officials managing the prison. Since the breaking of the story, the government arrested several officials at the centre for assisting Bester to escape. His girlfriend, Dr. Nandipha Magudumane, assisted him to fake his death and escape from jail. They skipped the country, were arrested in Tanzania, and brought back to South Africa and now stand trial.
“We need to applaud Daniel Steyn and Marecia Damons for the sterling work of exposing this prison corruption without fear or favour.”
Crystal Orderson, one of the judges, expressed, “It is again a pleasure for the four of us – Peter Sullivan, Joe Thloloe, and I, Chrystal Orderson and Moipone Malefane – to go through the entries and again marvel at the high quality of journalism that South Africa continues to produce.
“This is done under difficult economic conditions. We still have journalists who show integrity and report fearlessly, display a commitment to serve the people of South Africa despite insurmountable obstacles, resist censorship, and show courage in making information available to the SA public.
Ngalwa, SANEF chair, also presented our in-house Stephen Wrottesley Award for honouring dedicated members to community media subcommittee chairperson Dunisani Ntsanwisi. This award is bestowed on a SANEF member who shows commitment, and passion to Sanef.
He was awarded for playing a key and definitive role in Sanef’s Community Media Digitisation project for always putting the issues and interests of community media on the agenda; playing a key role in the inaugural Sanef Indigenous Languages Seminar and ensuring that the Association of Independent Publishers continues to be an active and relevant organisation.
The awards were sponsored by Sanlam
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Sanlam is the proud sponsor of the Nat Nakasa Awards.
SANEF to announce winners of the Nat Nakasa Awards 2023
15 September 2023
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) will tomorrow, 16 September 2023, honour the 2023 Nat Nakasa Award for Courageous Journalism to winners at The Venue in Sandton, Johannesburg. The awards are sponsored by Sanlam for the seventh year running.
The awards will be addressed by Justice Zukisa Laura Lumka Tshiqi of the Constitutional Court. She is also aligned with organisations such as the Black Lawyers Association Legal Education Centre, the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges, the South African Judicial Education Institute, and the African Regional Judges Forum as a means of ensuring that the constitutional rights of all citizens are not violated.
In 2007, Justice Tshiqi was appointed as Acting Judge at the Competition Appeal Court, and in 2009, she was appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal where she presided over many matters for 10 years prior to her appointment at the Constitutional Court in 2019. She is also a qualified trainer, facilitator, and mediator and she is a trainer on an ad hoc basis for the South African Judicial Institute.
The applications for the awards are adjudicated by a panel of four judges including former Press Ombudsman, Joe Thloloe, former editor of The Star, Peter Sullivan, Crystal Orderson, Al Jazeera’s producer (Freelance TV) & contributor of The Africa Report Magazine as well as former Sowetan political editor and founder of Vutivi Business News, Moipone Malefane.
These judges will award the Nat Nakasa Award for Community Media to deserving winners for their bravery in defending the community’s rights and demanding justice in their environment and local municipalities. They will then announce the overall winner Nat Nakasa Award for Courageous Journalism
Every year, SANEF also has an in-house Stephen Wrottesley Award for honouring dedicated members which will be given to a deserving, hardworking member.
Nat Nakasa was a man whose writing skills played a pivotal role in the liberation of South Africans. Nat’s legacy is celebrated every year by SANEF, through these awards. Nat died in New York, in 1965.
At the time he was on a one-way visa in the US, on a Nieman Scholarship, to escape threats to his life under the apartheid regime. SANEF, together with the Nakasa family and a range of stakeholders, worked tirelessly for years to bring back Nat’s remains and be reburied at his childhood suburb of Chesterville, outside Durban.
In 2014, his remains were returned to SA for reburial at the Chesterville cemetery Heroes Acres site, a fulfillment of his last wish to return home to the country where he was born. Nakasa paid a high price for his sacrifice.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
SANEF mourns the death of Daily Dispatch journalist, Mkhuseli Sizani
15 September 2023
“I want to be out there, telling the stories of our people”. These are the words of Mkhuseli Sizani, in a conversation with Cheri-Ann James at the time he joined the Daily Dispatch.
Sizani, a former Daily Sun and GroundUp journalist died this week, aged 42.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) sends condolences to the Sizani family, friends, and colleagues on the passing of Sizani.
James, the editor of the Daily Dispatch, said: “When Mkhuseli joined our newsroom, his first words to me were: ‘I want to be out there, telling the stories of our people’. He had already made a name for himself, not only in journalistic circles but in many communities in the Eastern Cape, as a journalist who used the power of the word to help bring positive change to residents who had been neglected and ignored by authorities.
“Mkhuseli was determined to put the voice of those who had long been silenced front and centre; a principle he instilled in our young interns, who he took under his wing as a mentor.
At the time he was Gqeberha bureau chief for the Eastern Cape at the Daily Sun, Sizani was passionate about telling untold stories, helping young reporters, and always putting his work as a journalist above anything else.
Yanga Soji, a former colleague at the Daily Sun, said: “Mkhuseli was a rare breed in journalism. He could work in any community and tell the best stories about the people there. He loved being out on the field and was never in the office.
“I was blessed to work with him for some years as part of the Daily Sun’s Eastern Cape Bureau Chiefs. He was dedicated, attentive, and professional and was a great mentor. He loved journalism and was fearless. His passing is a devastating loss to the Eastern Cape and to the journalism community as a whole. Rest in Peace Thangana.”
Nahima Ahmed, a former news editor at the Daily Sun who worked closely with Sizani, said: “Mkhuseli was a remarkable journalist whose passion and dedication left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.
“I can still recall the moments when he would call me and say, “I have your tomorrow’s front page ready.” And he never disappointed – his stories, complete with captivating pictures. He was an ace journalist, a storyteller whose talent transcended the ordinary. Desk journalism held no allure for him – instead, he roamed the streets, chasing one significant story after another, day, and night.
“Yet beneath his unwavering commitment to the craft, Mkhuseli was a calm and respectful soul. His role as a mentor to young journalists in EC was a testament to his generosity and commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers.
“His departure is a devastating blow, a big loss for the industry. He may be gone, but his spirit lives on in the stories he told and the lives he touched.”
James concluded: “We have lost a passionate and fine journalist who still had so much to give. We have been fortunate as a team to have had an opportunity to work alongside Mkhuseli and to learn from him. We pray for his family during this difficult time.”
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Invitation: First Indigenous Language and the Media Seminar
Johannesburg, South Africa – The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), in collaboration with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the United Nations in South Africa, is pleased to invite members of the media to the inaugural Indigenous Languages and the Media Seminar.
Date: 7th September 2023
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue: Radisson Blu, Gautrain, Sandton
Theme: The role of indigenous languages in the media in building engaged and informed communities.
Keynote Speakers:
Professor Abiodun Salawu, Professor of Journalism, Communication, and Media Studies, and Director of the research entity, Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA)
Mr. Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa
Mr. Lance Schultz, PanSALB Chief Executive Officer
In 2019, SANEF commissioned an Inquiry into Media Ethics and Credibility, which highlighted concerns about the lack of content in African languages. The inquiry recommended “lobbying for the provision of comprehensive, informed news content in African languages accessible to all.” In response to these recommendations, SANEF is organizing the Indigenous Languages and Media Seminar.
Indigenous languages play a crucial role in South Africa’s linguistic diversity. Their promotion and utilization by the media are essential for preserving them. Unfortunately, there has been a decline in the use and understanding of indigenous languages, especially among the youth. This seminar aims to address this issue and find solutions.
The seminar aims to bring together critical stakeholders, including PanSALB, the UN, and influential indigenous language practitioners, to have frank conversations, debates, and initiate discussions that can lead to actionable solutions beyond the seminar.
It will have a two-pronged approach:
Understanding the status of indigenous languages and the role media can play.
Exploring interventions and action points for promoting and preserving indigenous languages.
The target audience for this seminar includes media practitioners from Gauteng and adjoining provinces. Preference will be given to journalists from small and independent community media outlets. Participants have been drawn from digital, print, and broadcast media, as well as various stakeholders with interests in language development and the impactful role of community media.
Sbu Ngalwa, the SANEF chairperson says: The seminar will help journalists with strategies for reporting on indigenous languages without stigmatisation or ostracization. We will collectively explore the critical role of indigenous languages in the media and work towards their preservation and promotion.”
Lance Schultz, PanSALB Chief Executive Officer says: “Throughout history, the media has played a crucial role in the growth and preservation of indigenous languages. The first recorded written text in an African language in the country dates to the 1800’s, which is an excellent foundation to build upon. It is about time we as a nation begin the journey of forging collaborative efforts between the media, parents, teachers, education authorities, and stakeholders to promote indigenous languages.”
Nelson Muffuh, the UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa, says: “Through this seminar, we plan to work with all our partners in South Africa and the region to understand the risks associated with the lack of promotion of indigenous languages. Communities must establish practical ways to work with the media, especially community media, to actively promote indigenous languages in their daily lives.”
Join us at this groundbreaking seminar to ensure that African generations continue to speak and uphold their languages.
For media inquiries and registration, please contact: [email protected]
About SANEF
SANEF is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
About PanSALB
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) is envisioned in section 6 of the Constitution and was created in terms of the Pan South African Language Board Act 59 of 1995 amended as PanSALB Amendment Act of 1999). It was established to provide for the recognition, implementation, and furtherance of multilingualism in the Republic of South Africa to promote all official languages, including Khoi and San languages.
About UN
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of 193 Member States, the UN and its work are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. The UN has evolved over the years to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. But one thing has stayed the same: it remains the one place on Earth where all the world’s nations can gather together, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity.
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