ANNUAL FUNDRAISER GALA

The Annual Sanef Fundraiser Gala Dinner

On an annual basis, the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) invites honoured guests including editors, journalists, businesses, media freedom advocacy interest groups, diplomats and civil society to our prestigious Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner.

This is a cornerstone event held since 2016 during the week of Black Wednesday. This significant occasion is dedicated to raising crucial funds to support legal cases and initiatives that uphold the principles of media freedom.

Celebrating media freedom

We use this day to remember the brutal events of Black Wednesday on 19 October 1977, when the apartheid regime sought to silence the press by outlawing over eighteen organizations, including the Union of Black Journalists (UBJ) and three newspapers: The World, Weekend World, and Pro Veritate. Veteran journalists and editors like Percy Qoboza and Aggrey Klaaste faced imprisonment, while others, such as Beyers Naude and Donald Woods, were banned from writing and put under house arrest.

This dark chapter in our history is a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for media freedom, a key tenet of Article 16 of the Bill of Rights in our esteemed Constitution. Today, Sanef continues to champion the cause of media freedom, standing as a bulwark against the forces that seek to undermine it.
Why your support matters

In a world where journalists often operate under stringent, punitive, and even deadly conditions, the role of Sanef is more vital than ever. Here in South Africa, we have seen alarming trends, such as misogynistic attacks on women journalists via social media and legal threats against reporters by powerful individuals. Sanef is committed to providing robust legal defense and advocacy to protect journalists’ rights and ensure their access to justice.
Be part of the solution

By attending our Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner, our honoured guests are not only supporting Sanef’s mission but also standing in solidarity with journalists who risk their lives to bring the truth to light every day.

Your contributions will directly fund legal battles, advocacy campaigns, and interventions that safeguard media freedom in South Africa and beyond. Sanef is the founding member of the African Editors’ Forum (TAEF) which advocates for media freedom across the continent and therefore by helping Sanef, you also put your shoulder on the wheel for justice and media freedom on the continent.

Our esteemed guests join us for an evening of reflection, celebration, and commitment to the cause of a free and fair press. Together, we seek to ensure that the legacy of Black Wednesday serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in the ongoing struggle for media freedom.

Corporate guests secure a table of ten seats and individuals purchase seats to make a difference. Together, let’s defend the truth and uphold the principles of a free press. We look forward to seeing you at our gala dinner events to support the cause of media freedom.