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November 6 2024

Sanef Mourns the Passing of Former Daily Sun Photographer, Lucky Morajane

News, Obituaries

Former Daily Sun photographer, Lucky Morajane (Image: Supplied)

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is saddened by Lucky Morajane’s passing on Tuesday.

Morajane worked for the Daily Sun for several years. He left the newspaper a few years back.

Amos Mananyetso, Daily Sun editor, said: “Malaczen,” as his colleagues affectionately knew him, was just more than a colleague. We talked about anything and everything related to life and its challenges. He was one of the most talented photographers I have ever known, humorous too. He had an eye for a news picture and never argued much. A lot of young reporters learned a lot from him as he was a good teacher.

“Lucky was one of Daily Sun’s greatest ambassadors because he knew our purpose; he knew the Daily Sun story and the readers, the SunPeople, were close to his big heart. Away from work, Lucky was a father who loved his two daughters with everything he had.

Siphiwe Mhlambi, the veteran photographer, said: “Morajane knew what he was what he is doing. He was always searching for knowledge and someone who admired the older generation. We are all shocked to learn of his passing. He was a gentle giant and soul, and I always made time for him. Whenever we met at gigs, we always had time for quick chats. He is too young to die. He never stopped talking about his two little girls. The news of his passing is saddening.”

He was bright and understood the news industry is not for sissies, especially when you are a freelancer as you are also searching for knowledge and upskilling. He was never shy to ask.”

Nahima Ahmed, a former Daily Sun news editor and colleague of Morajane, said: “Lucky Morajane was a true all-rounder in both photography and videography. From breaking news and political briefings to football matches and entertainment events, he excelled in every aspect of visual storytelling, capturing each moment with remarkable skill and precision. I had the privilege of working alongside him for nearly two decades, witnessing his dedication and talent firsthand, which earned him my utmost respect and admiration.

“More than just an artist, Lucky was a generous mentor. He guided young photographers and videographers with the same care he extended to the late Chris Moagi, leaving a legacy that shaped many careers.

Lucky’s sense of humour was unforgettable, and he insisted we call him “Dr. Morajane” in the newsroom — a name that many of us, me included, happily used.

My heart goes out to his daughters and family, who have lost an extraordinary father, friend, and mentor. His influence and spirit have left an indelible mark on us all. My deepest condolences to his family.”

Photographer and former colleague, Robert Tlapu said: “Dr. Morajane” as he used to address himself, Lucky Morajane was one of the easy-going ex-colleagues I have shared a working space with. He was very polite, but sometimes very impatient, especially if he was assigned to do a job he didn’t like. He loved his job, but he preferred to sit back and relax in the office some days, like a “Dr Morajane” in his office. You will be missed the doctor of photography. Rest easy Lucky Morajane.”

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.

For more information please contact:

Nwabisa Makunga – Chairperson (082) 555-1972
Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621
Dr. Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415
Makhudu Sefara – Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
Katy Katopodis – F Journalism Safety and Wellness (082) 805-7022
Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564
Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

November 2 2024

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

Did you know?

153 journalists have been killed in the line of duty in 2022-2023.*
117 journalists were killed in 2020-2021.
In 2020 and 2021, Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for 38% of killings, followed by Asia and the Pacific with 32% of killings.
Only 14 percent of cases of crimes against journalists are currently considered judicially resolved.
In 2021, the percentage of women among all journalists killed almost doubled, rising to 11% from 6% the previous year.

Source: UNESCO 2022 *2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum joins the world in the call for the ending of impunity for crimes against journalists ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on Monday 4 November 2024.

With the rise of conflicts and other crises, crimes against journalists are one of the most important and complex challenges of recent times.

António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, said in his message on Saturday, 2 November 2024, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, that the UN reaffirms its commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.

“A free press is fundamental to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Yet journalists around the world are prevented from doing their job and often face threats, violence, and even death in their mission to bring truth to light and hold the powerful to account.”

Guterres said in recent years, the world has seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones – in particular in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in any war in decades.

“Worldwide, an estimated 9 out of 10 journalist murders go unpunished. Impunity breeds further violence. This must change,” he said as he emphasised calls for respecting and protecting journalists, media professionals and associated personnel working in situations of armed conflict.

“I call on governments to bring these commitments to life by taking urgent steps to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them, and prosecute perpetrators – everywhere. Together, let’s end the cycle of violence, uphold freedom of expression, and ensure that journalists can carry out their essential work safely and without fear – everywhere,” Guterres said.

Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies

UNESCO’s monitoring in 2023 recorded that more than 50% of journalist killings occurred in crisis- and conflict zones, with continuously high numbers in the first half of 2024.

Many journalists, media professionals, and associated media personnel exercise their duties in highly dangerous contexts. Too many pay an unacceptably high price, including death, enforced disappearance, torture, unlawful detention, and kidnapping, for producing independent, reliable, and verifiable information.

According to UNESCO, these tragedies are only the tip of the iceberg. Media infrastructure is often damaged or destroyed, and journalists face physical attacks, detention, equipment confiscation or denial of access to reporting sites. Many are forced to flee or cease work, risking turning conflict areas into “zones of silence”.

Whether reporting on conflict, humanitarian disasters, climate or health crises, UNESCO noted that journalists continue to face disproportionate threats and higher levels of impunity for extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, as well as intimidation and harassment, both offline and online.

Latin America and the Caribbean continues to be the region with the highest number of murders of journalists, according to the 2022 UNESCO Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity.

Since 1993, more than 1,700 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and bringing information to the public. Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems.

While killings are the most extreme form of media censorship, journalists are also subjected to countless threats – ranging from kidnapping, torture and other physical attacks to harassment, particularly in the digital sphere. Threats of violence and attacks against journalists, in particular, create a climate of fear for media professionals, impeding the free circulation of information, opinions and ideas for all citizens.

Women journalists are particularly impacted by threats and attacks, notably by those made online. According to UNESCO’s discussion paper, The Chilling: Global trends in online violence against women journalists, 73 percent of the women journalists surveyed said they had been threatened, intimidated and insulted online in connection with their work.

In many cases, threats of violence and attacks against journalists are not properly investigated. This impunity emboldens the perpetrators of the crimes and at the same time has a chilling effect on society, including journalists themselves.

ends

October 27 2024

SANEF Gala Dinner Commemorates 47th Anniversary of Black Wednesday

Annual Fundraiser, Media Freedom, News

The South African National Editors’ Forum held its annual gala dinner last night where guest speaker Judge President of the Supreme Court of Appeal Mahube Molemela affirmed the right of journalists to report freely while ensuring they practice their craft responsibly.

The event held at The Venue, Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, commemorated the 47th anniversary of “Black Wednesday.”

This year’s event carried profound significance as South Africa marks thirty years of democracy and media freedom under the theme: “30 Years of Democracy: A Journey of Freedom and the Unyielding Power of Media in South Africa.”

Justice Molemela delivered a poignant tribute to the resilience of journalists and activists during the apartheid era. She recalled the sacrifices of individuals like Donald Woods and Steve Biko, who risked their safety and their lives, in pursuit of truth. “At that time, media freedom was a dream,” Molemela stated.

Today, she noted, freedom of expression is enshrined in the Constitution and fiercely protected. “We now have an environment that balances the rights of journalists to report accurately while ensuring that their reporting is free from distortion and exaggeration. Journalists are expected to give all sides of the story a fair hearing, according to the dictates of ethical journalism,” Molemela asserted, referring to this practice as “a sacred principle.”

However, Molemela cautioned that contemporary challenges persist. “We now face the social media terror of misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, and threats against those who speak up,” she said. She underscored the dangers posed by the overwhelming data available online, which can lead to vulnerabilities regarding privacy and the spread of false information. “Misinformation and disinformation are disseminated so easily that despite our Constitutional safeguards, we can still fall prey to the snares of propagandists seeking to undermine the Bill of Rights, which represents the fruits of our hard-won democracy,” she warned. Click here to access her speech.

Master of Ceremonies Cathy Mohlahlana opened the evening by highlighting the theme’s relevance, encapsulating South Africa’s journey over the past three decades. She emphasised the strides made in democracy and the essential role media freedom continues to play in shaping the nation’s narrative, promoting transparency, and upholding democratic principles. “This milestone is worthy of celebration,” Mohlahlana remarked, “marking our progress in safeguarding freedom of expression and promoting journalistic integrity in our nation.”

The evening was a time to reflect on the historical significance of “Black Wednesday,” a dark chapter in South Africa’s history. On 19 October 1977, apartheid-era Justice Minister Jimmy Kruger outlawed more than eighteen organisations, including the Union of Black Journalists and three newspapers: The World, Weekend World, edited by Percy Qoboza, and Pro Veritate. Many journalists and black consciousness leaders were detained and banned in an attempt to silence those exposing the regime’s atrocities.

Nwabisa Makunga, SANEF Chairperson, reiterated the importance of the event as a platform to honour the work of journalism, under increasingly difficult circumstances.

She emphasised the ongoing need for support to sustain SANEF’s mission of promoting media freedom in South Africa.

In her remarks, Makunga expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their crucial role in SANEF’s work to promote public interest journalism and broaden access to information to ensure people are able to make informed decisions about their society.

“Journalism needs to get three important things right,” she asserted. “We must develop the right skills to respond to the information needs of our society, promote access to information more broadly, and fight to remain sustainable.”

She acknowledged that much more must be done to empower newsrooms and individual media practitioners to perform their work accurately and fairly, helping society make sense of the world. “SANEF recognises that it is essential to foster depth and nuance in journalism,” Makunga added.

Sydney Mbhele, Absa Group Chief Marketing & Corporate Affairs Officer, highlighted the indispensable role of media in shaping society. “Democracy and media freedom are inextricably linked,” he stated. “For our democracy to flourish, protecting the freedom of the press is essential.”

Mbhele continued to honour the sacrifices of those committed to truth and accountability. “Their work informs and empowers us, equipping society with the knowledge to challenge injustice and hold power to account,” he emphasised. “Beyond just delivering information, the media acts as a beacon of transparency, a guardian of public discourse, and a catalyst for change, driving progress across political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.”

The evening culminated in a shared commitment among attendees to uphold and protect the freedoms that have been fought for and won over the past thirty years, reinforcing the media’s critical role in sustaining democracy in South Africa.

Click to access the YouTube video of the event

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.

For more information please contact:

Nwabisa Makunga – Chairperson (082) 555-1972

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Dr. Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Makhudu Sefara – Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134

Katy Katopodis – F Journalism Safety and Wellness (082) 805-7022

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

October 21 2024

2024 Media Freedom Festival Tackles Journalism’s Key Challenges

Media Freedom, News, Seminars

SABC board member, Phathiswa Magopeni, Centre for Creative Arts director, Dr. Ismail Mohamed, and Webber Wentzel’s media lawyer, Dario Milo, moderated by CfE’s director, Anton Harber. Pic: MMA

Johannesburg – The 2024 edition of the Media Freedom Festival, which concluded on Thursday, 17 October 2024, addressed key challenges facing journalism, including threats to media freedom, the mental health of journalists, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on media sustainability.

This annual event is held in honour of Black Wednesday (19 October 1977), the pivotal day in South Africa’s history when the apartheid regime launched a clampdown on political and media organisations. The World and Weekend World, two anti-apartheid newspapers, were among the publications banned, and the editor, Percy Qoboza, and other journalists, were detained.

This year, the Media Freedom Festival was jointly organised with organisations committed to media freedom, including the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef), the Press Council, Campaign for Freedom of Expression (CfE), SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS), the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the Association for Independent Publishers (AIP), the SABC, and international partners, including the Goethe-Institut and the German Embassy.

Under the theme “Media for Democracy: Ensuring Access, Accountability, and Integrity,” the event began with a presentation by the CfE on the 2024 State of Free Expression in South Africa report, titled A Need for Vigilance. The report highlighted key issues like gender-based attacks on journalists and the use of the courts to silence them. A panel discussion followed, featuring SABC board member and Sanef’s sub-committee chairperson on education and training, Phathiswa Magopeni, Centre for Creative Arts Director Dr. Ismail Mohamed, and Webber Wentzel’s media law expert Dario Milo, moderated by CfE’s director, Anton Harber. They discussed critical challenges such as SLAPP lawsuits, threats to free expression, journalistic independence, and media sustainability. Magopeni noted that job insecurity for journalists is like a “new jail,” pushing them to avoid questioning critical issues to protect their jobs.

EWN Editor-in-Chief Sbu Ngalwa, MMA Director William Bird, and Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenneth Morolong. The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring Newzroom Afrika anchor, Naledi Moleo, Bianca Dormuth, from the German Embassy, Sanef’s Treasurer-General and EWN Editor-at-Large, Sbu Ngalwa, MMA’s director William Bird, and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong. The panel explored issues related to journalists’ safety, independent media, investment, and the Media Freedom Coalition.

Morolong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, emphasising that “the media is the lifeblood of a thriving democracy.” He also stressed the importance of government support for the Media Freedom Coalition. The panel shared his views, with Bird advocating for a clear action plan to address threats to media freedom.

The second day of the festival featured a discussion on “Elections and the Way Forward: Ethical Reporting in the Age of Online Harms.” The panel included Independent Electoral Commission’s chief electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, SABC News Digital Audiovisual Head, Angie Kapelianis, and MMA’s Thandi Smith. Smith presented the Media Performance Review for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, emphasising the importance of ongoing election coverage and the need to protect journalists during this period.

She also expressed concern over the rising reports of disinformation, with platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and WhatsApp being the top sources of complaints. Mamabolo reaffirmed the IEC’s commitment to ensuring reliable and fair elections, underlining their dedication to upholding democratic values.

At the festival, author and journalist Qaanitah Hunter shared insights into the mental health challenges journalists face, highlighting the traumas they experience in the field. She specifically addressed the issue of social media harassment targeting women journalists, criticising the normalisation of cyberbullying, and calling for more dialogue around promoting healthy social media practices.

The festival concluded with a panel discussion on building a sustainable media industry, focusing on the future of the SABC, community media, and other media organisations. Uyanda Siyotula, from SOS, expressed concern over the sustainability of public service media, pointing out the absence of a funding model in the SABC Bill as a significant issue. The panel emphasised the need for media organisations to adapt to changing economic and media environments.

Shirley Govender, from AIP, gave a sobering assessment of the challenges facing community media, warning that without proper funding and resources, some community outlets could shut down, leaving communities without vital access to information. She called for policy reforms and capacity-building efforts to ensure the survival of community newsrooms.

The 2024 Media Freedom Festival highlighted the essential role of journalists as defenders of democracy, issuing a strong call to tackle misinformation and address critical issues such as journalist safety and media sustainability.

If you want to watch the event, click here

Written by Nyakallo Moleko

October 16 2024

Rhodes University, Sanef launches a declaration to shape the future of journalism

Media Freedom, Seminars

16 October 2024

Makhanda – The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) of Rhodes University, in partnership with the Eastern Cape office of the South African National Editors’ Forum, Sanef, are hosting a webinar on Friday, October 18 to officially launch the Makhanda Declaration — a bold call to revitalise journalism in South Africa.

The milestone event marking SA Media Freedom Day on October 19 is a historical commemoration of Black Wednesday in 1977 which saw the apartheid state’s banning and closing of the World and Sunday World and the imprisonment of several anti-apartheid journalists under the Internal Security Act.

The Makhanda Declaration revisits the commitment and purpose of the Windhoek Declaration of 1991 which was crafted by African journalists and media professionals 33 years ago to promote the importance of journalism on the continent.

The new declaration was drafted by journalists, academics and scholars to deliberate on current challenges facing South African communities of journalistic practice at a summit in Makhanda in April 2024.

Over three days, stakeholders identified strategies that must be pursued to ensure the future of journalism that contributes to the public good. The Declaration captures their shared commitment to supporting and strengthening journalism and provides concrete guidelines that can enable them to put this commitment into practice and compel other stakeholders to do the same.

Delegates of the Journalism Summit mandated a Steering Committee to refine the Makhanda Declaration, by sharing its content broadly with South African and African stakeholders in the future of journalism.

The Steering Committee has completed this process and developed 11 clear goals for the future of journalism including investing in journalism as a public good, ensuring news media are financially sustainable and ending attacks and killing of journalists, among others.

We invite all media professionals to engage in a crucial conversation about the industry.

A panel of seasoned journalists and editors will reflect on the principles in the Declaration and the realities facing today’s newsrooms.

The webinar, which is due to take place at the Africa Media Matrix Building between 11h00 and 13h00, is titled Renewing our Commitment to the Endurance and Success of Journalism.

It will be a hybrid session and will include a public reading of the Declaration and a panel discussion of its importance to the South African journalistic community.

The panel will include Cheri-Ann James (editor of the Daily Dispatch); Heather Robertson (editor of Daily Maverick 168) Zikhona Tshona (Freelance journalist and producer) and Provincial editor SABC News: Eastern Cape (acting) Jurie Blignaut.

Physical and virtual guests will include representatives from Eastern Cape academic institutions – WSU, Nelson Mandela, RU – and various media houses.

For more information, contact:

Rhodes University head of Journalism and Media Studies head: Jeanne du Toit – 083 573 9970

Sanef Eastern Cape convenor: Rochelle de Kock – 072 969 8028

September 27 2024

Sanef Champions Fact-Based Journalism for Democracy on World News Day

Media Freedom, News

27-09-2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) highlights the critical role that responsible and factual journalism plays in serving the public interest and safeguarding the principles of democracy.

On “World News Day”, Saturday, 28th September 2024, Sanef proudly supports the global campaign theme, “Choose Truth,” initiated by our esteemed international partners including the Canadian Journalism Foundation, WAN-IFRA’s World Editors Forum, and Project Kontinuum.

This campaign calls on all members of the news industry and their supporters to champion fact-based journalism, which is the foundation of a free and open society. In a world where misinformation and disinformation can spread at unprecedented speeds, the commitment of journalists to uphold high standards of accuracy, ethics, and accountability has never been more critical.

South Africa’s strong tradition of media self-regulation, upheld by the Press Council of South Africa and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa, is key to maintaining the integrity of our newsrooms.

These regulatory mechanisms ensure that our journalists operate within a framework that prioritises accuracy and public accountability, fostering trust in the media. This system not only holds journalists to account but also ensures that the public receives information that is accurate, balanced, and fair.

Factual Journalism as the Cornerstone of Democracy

Quality journalism is more than just a profession it is the backbone of a well-functioning democracy. Journalists dedicate themselves to verifying facts, examining sources, and presenting truth through rigorous investigative reporting. This process ensures that citizens are informed with clarity and certainty, empowering them to make sound decisions in public discourse and governance.

As Nwabisa Makunga, Chair of Sanef, aptly stated at the 2024 Nat Nakasa Awards in Durban in September, “What I believe should anchor the work we do is earning public trust. For us as journalists, the work we do can only have an impact and be effective if we largely enjoy the trust of those we serve.”

Sanef believes that building trust through truth-based journalism strengthens the social contract between the media and the public, ensuring transparency and fostering accountability in all levels of society.

On World News Day, Martha Ramos, President of the World Editors Forum, reminds us, “Quality journalism offers that and more. On World News Day, we come together as citizens to remember why such journalism matters and why it’s worth supporting ethical, trustworthy, and truth-seeking news media.”

Similarly, Kathy English, Chair of the Canadian Journalism Foundation, notes, “Journalism matters. Facts matter. Truth matters. Without the verified facts that can reveal truth, freedom and democracy can fail.”

As we celebrate World News Day 2024, Sanef calls on all South Africans to support quality journalism that values truth and integrity. Let us ‘choose truth’ and continue to advocate for a media environment that safeguards the public’s right to know.

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 by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. Sanef is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Nwabisa Makunga – Chairperson (082) 555-1972

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer General (073) 404-1415

Makhudu Sefara – Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134

Katy Katopodis – Sanef Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Judy Sandison – Sanef KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Sanef Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Sanef Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Sanef Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sanef.org.za

September 24 2024

Sanef Strongly Condemns Attack on Al Jazeera Bureau in Ramallah, Calls for Global Protection of Journalists

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) strongly condemns the recent raid by Israeli soldiers on Al Jazeera’s bureau in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank, and the subsequent forced closure of the bureau for 45 days. This blatant attack on media freedom strikes at the heart of democratic principles, as journalists must be free to report fairly, safely, and without fear of intimidation.

Sanef recognises this as a culmination of the Israeli government’s ongoing efforts to harass and intimidate the Qatari broadcaster, Al Jazeera, ultimately leading to its closure. On 5 May, the Israeli government voted to shut down the channel, resulting in the raid on its offices, the removal of its broadcasts from Israeli providers, and the blocking of its websites—citing alleged bias against Israel.

This aggressive action is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence against journalists in conflict zones. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 116 journalists have been killed in conflict areas. These figures represent far more than just statistics; they embody the tragic human cost of silencing the truth.

Sanef has consistently called for an end to the persecution and killing of journalists. We echo the sentiments of the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO, both of which have affirmed that “the safety of journalists is essential to ensuring freedom of expression and access to information for all.” Journalists serve a critical function in holding power to account, speaking truth to power, and ensuring that the public remains informed—even in the most dangerous and challenging environments.

UN experts have also raised alarm over the rising attacks on journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In a February statement, they expressed deep concern over the “extraordinarily high numbers of journalists and media workers who have been killed, attacked, injured, and detained,” particularly in Gaza, in recent months, in blatant disregard of international law.

Sanef stands in full solidarity with Al Jazeera and all journalists working in conflict zones across the globe. We call on governments worldwide to take immediate action to protect journalists’ safety, in compliance with international law and human rights standards, and to support their indispensable role as the eyes and ears of society. An attack on media freedom anywhere is an attack on democracy everywhere.

Media freedom is non-negotiable, and Sanef will continue its unwavering fight to defend the rights of all journalists to report without fear or repression.

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 by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. Sanef is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Nwabisa Makunga – Chairperson (082) 555-1972

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Dr. Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer General (073) 404-1415

Makhudu Sefara – Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134

Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – SANEF Western Cape Convenor

Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sanef.org.za

September 20 2024

Sanef Delegation Visits Founding Member and Journalism Stalwart Joe Thloloe

Events, Nat Nakasa Awards, News

Visiting stalwart icon Joe Thloloe is Nwabisa Makunga, Reggy Moalusi, Glenda Daniels, Hopewell Radebe, Tshamano Makhadi

A SANEF delegation, comprising Chairperson Nwabisa Makunga, Deputy Chairperson Tshamano Makhadi, Secretary-General Dr. Glenda Daniels, Executive Director Reggy Moalusi, and Projects Manager Hopewell Radebe, visited SANEF founding member and journalism icon Joe Thloloe at his home in Johannesburg on the morning of 20 September 2024.

Mr. Thloloe was unable to attend the SANEF Council meeting and the Nat Nakasa Awards ceremony held in Durban on 14 September 2024 due to ill health. In recognition of his immense contribution to ethical journalism in South Africa, the SANEF Council tasked Chairperson Makunga to visit him and deliver their wishes for a speedy recovery and continued good health.

SANEF Chairperson Nwabisa Makunga presents stalwart icon Joe Thloloe with a gift.

Mr. Thloloe warmly welcomed the delegation, describing the visit as a “blessing” that encouraged him to get out of bed. Mrs. Thloloe also expressed her gratitude, referring to the SANEF leadership as “family,” adding that they need no special invitation to visit their home.

During the visit, Chairperson Makunga presented Mr. Thloloe with gifts, while the group enjoyed tea and freshly baked banana bread.

Thloloe is also the former Press Ombudsman who serves as member of the Nat Nakasa awards four-member panel of judges together with former editor of The Star, Peter Sullivan, Crystal Orderson, a producer for Al Jazeera and contributor to The Africa Report on Talk Radio 702, and Moipone Malefane, the founder of Vutivi Business News.

ENDS

September 17 2024

The Media Discuss the Opportunities and Risks for Journalism in the Era of AI-driven Newsrooms

Education & Training, Media Freedom, News

Most newsrooms in South Africa have yet to formally integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into their daily practices, according to a recent study examining the relationship between journalism and AI.

This study was the focus of a webinar titled *Opportunities and Risks for Journalism in South Africa in the Era of AI-Driven Newsrooms*, organised by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) in partnership with Sanlam. The event took place on Monday, 16 September 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Umhlanga in Durban.

The online seminar featured presentations by Dr. Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey, Dr. Tigere Muringa, and Siphumelele Zondi, who co-authored the study titled “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Contemporary Journalism Practice in Two African Countries”. However, Samuel Danso who coauthored the paper with them was not at the online seminar.

According to Adjin-Tettey, the study explored how journalists in South Africa and Ghana have used AI tools in their work, primarily in straightforward tasks such as transcription, research, idea generation, and fact-checking. She noted, however, that the formal integration of AI into newsroom operations remains limited due to factors such as cost, language barriers, and resistance to change.

“While participants acknowledged the benefits of using AI for newsroom tasks, they also raised ethical concerns about misinformation, improper attribution, and intellectual property issues,” Adjin-Tettey explained. (Download her presentation)

The study also found that journalists believed the adoption of ethical guidelines and fact-checking practices could help mitigate some of these concerns. Overall, the research added a crucial perspective on AI’s role in African journalism, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges posed by the technology.

AI adoption in newsrooms ranges from simple tasks, such as transcribing interviews, to more complex functions, like detecting fake videos and images. Previous studies have examined how AI is used in news production and fact-checking, but the ethical dimensions of its use have often been overlooked. The authors of this study aimed to fill that gap by providing evidence of how journalists in Ghana and South Africa are incorporating AI into their work and how they are navigating the ethical challenges involved.

The study also explored more advanced uses of AI in newsrooms, such as the Associated Press’s automated generation of earnings reports, which has significantly increased its reporting capacity. Another example highlighted was Reuters’ use of the AI tool Lynx Insight, which analyses large datasets, including financial reports and social media trends, to identify patterns that might hold news value but are not immediately obvious.

The webinar concluded a series of events that began on Friday, 13 September, with a media networking session hosted by FNB and supported by SAB-South Africa. SANEF held its council meeting on Saturday, where it discussed constitutional amendments to align with the country’s national constitution. The weekend culminated with the Nat Nakasa Awards for Courageous Journalism on Saturday evening.

ENDS