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Media Freedom

SANEF Commemorates Black Wednesday and Celebrates Media Freedom Day

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SANEF chairperson-Sbu Ngalwa at the Fundraiser Gala Dinner

 

22 October 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) commemorated Black Wednesday at a fundraising dinner addressed by Mr Mpho Makwana outgoing Eskom Board chairman which was attended by over 200 business guests in Johannesburg on Friday evening 20 October 2023.

SANEF has raised R2 million rands this year. This will go towards building our media defence fund that supports legal cases to protect media freedom. The gala dinner is organised every year in memory of the journalist organisations, editors, and journalists who were banned, harassed, assaulted, and imprisoned on that day, 19th October 1977.

Makwana said at the fundraising event, where the main sponsor was ABSA, that South Africa needed the media now in 2023 more than ever to find ways to help rekindle our sense of humanity as a nation. “Help us recover ourselves. We are getting deeper into a nation that is ripping itself apart.”

He challenged businesses to be amongst the best corporate citizens in the country through value creation by supporting the fourth estate to remain independent and sustainable. On the other hand, the media should note that there is a big task at hand to help this nation focus be guided out of despair and be moved from good to great.

Sbu Ngalwa, the SANEF chairperson, described the support for media freedom in the country from the corporate sector as “a testament to its commitment to supporting the media industry in South Africa and Africa as a whole”.

He acknowledged the work of business in boosting journalism skills development initiatives such as the SANLAM Summer School of Financial Journalism held in October every year for the past 20 years. This year, the MTN-sponsored Media Innovation Programme was designed to equip journalists with skills to report better on the technology sector, which is instrumental in improving the quality of journalism in Nigeria. Similarly, SANEF launched the SANEF Fellowship in Financial Journalism at Wits University sponsored by Deloitte, which equips journalists with skills to unpack complex financial and economic concepts and make them accessible to the public.

“As journalists, we are facing unprecedented challenges that require urgent attention. The media industry is in dire straits, and we must find innovative ways to sustain it. We cannot afford to stand by and watch as media houses continue to struggle to survive,” said Ngalwa.

He said South Africa needed to recognise that journalism is a public good, and the cost of data was too high for ordinary South Africans to access news. He appealed to telecommunications networks to seriously “consider zero-rating news sites to make them accessible to everyone”.

“This will also help in the fight against fake news because only news organizations that subscribe to the Press Code and are members of the SA Press Council will qualify for zero-rating,” he said. You can access his speech here.

World Press Freedom Day theme

SANEF adopted the May 3 World Press Freedom Day theme of “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, which signifies the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights. The theme was chosen by UNESCO marking 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom. It also reminds governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and a day of reflection among journalists about press freedom and professional ethics.

Akash Singh, Absa Group’s Chief Compliance Officer, said not everyone or every country has the privilege of enjoying media freedom rights. South Africa should not take for granted the fact that it is celebrating 30 years of media freedom as it contemplates the future. This country should value the media as the key pillar of our democracy.

“We value the media as a key pillar in safeguarding Africa’s hard-fought liberties and ensuring a vibrant and prosperous society,” Singh said.

Vuslat Bayoglu managing director at Menar (a mining investment company) said there is a relationship between media freedom and the economic wealth of nations. The free media is and tends to be more visible in countries that have higher economic prospects.

“Menar hopes to keep supporting media freedom initiatives to ensure that there is no proliferation of brown envelop journalism in this country,” said Bayoglu.

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:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Qaanitah Hunter – SANEF Secretary-General
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 

Media Freedom

SANEF Remembers Black Wednesday and Calls for Greater Support, in Defence of Press Freedom in SA

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18 October 2023

As the country prepares to recognise the brutal events of Black Wednesday, forty-six years ago, it seems a telling time for South Africa to place significant focus on Article 16 of the Bill of Rights and how it is still violated today, under the democratic rule and with one of the most advanced constitutions in the world – specifically where press freedom challenged within its borders, post-apartheid.

As key proponents and defenders of media freedom and advocacy, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) recognises this day through an annual fundraising dinner during the week of Black Wednesday, aimed at raising funds for legal cases that the organisation usually undertakes. This year guests will have the privilege of listening to the keynote speaker, outgoing Eskom Board chairperson, Mr. Mpho Makwana.

Black Wednesday refers to the events of 19 October 1977, when apartheid-era Justice Minister Jimmy Kruger outlawed over eighteen organisations, including the Union of Black Journalists (UBJ) and three newspapers, The World, Weekend World edited by Percy Qoboza, and Pro Veritate, the publication published by anti-apartheid activist Beyers Naude. Qoboza and his deputy, Aggrey Klaaste, were imprisoned. Naude and Donald Woods, editor of the Daily Dispatch, were banned from writing and put under house arrest.

SANEF is always at the forefront of the protection of media freedom and will always take up cases aimed at availing legal defences through a myriad of interventions, such as when access to courts is denied or journalists are hauled to court.

While recent global events have laced focus on the stringent, punitive, and deadly working environments where journalists are targeted simply for doing their job, SA journalists still face hostile, punitive, and discriminatory circumstances while doing the important work they do.

“In some countries, journalists still face dangerous and deadly consequences and are targeted daily for the work they do. While we show support for these journalists, we sadly must place just as much focus and commitment on doing the same at home – even in a democratic country, protected by a globally respected constitution. We face pervasive and daily threats to press freedom, personal and deadly attacks on journalists, and unlawful attempts to censor the media. This is why the work that SANEF does is so important”, says Reggy Moalusi, SANEF’s Executive Director.

For this reason, SANEF ensures that veritable attention is paid to these matters and that support is offered to journalists and media who have, and still do, make immense sacrifices in the pursuit of ethical and responsible journalism.

To ensure its ability to continue this important work, SANEF hosts an annual fundraising gala dinner in honour of Black Wednesday – importantly, to raise funds for various projects the organisation does, such as raising money for various legal challenges.

Moalusi says: “While SANEF honours the journalists, organisations, editors, and journalists that were banned, harassed, assaulted, imprisoned, and intimidated throughout apartheid and celebrates how far we have come since, it is also sadly a time to reflect on current media freedom challenges, particularly where new forms of censorship, harassment, gender-based threats, and violence have arisen and continue to be pervasive attacks on free press and human rights in a democratic society, protected by a progressive constitution.”

The fundraising event this year supports SANEF’s Media Defence Fund which has been instrumental in supporting several important cases, such as Karyn Maughan v Jacob Zuma; Riot Hlatshwayo v Mpumalanga Police Commissioner; and amaBhungane v the Moti Group. It is also much needed to ensure the support of upcoming cases and to back the significant amount of policy and legislative work required to maintain and improve media freedom and the protection of journalists, editors, and publications in SA.

SANEF calls on all individuals, corporates, businesses, and organisations who believe that a free press is crucial to ensuring human rights, to support the organisation’s annual fundraising dinner. Proceeds support SANEF’s mission to remain at the forefront of protecting journalists’ media freedom and take up cases aimed at availing legal defences or when intervention is required in the case of court access being denied or when journalists are hauled to court.

More information can be obtained by mailing [email protected]

Note to the editor:

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.

 

  • ENDS –

 Media Queries

Bridget van Oerle

The BUZ Factor

0832636991 [email protected]

Annual Fundraiser

Call for Tender: Organising Annual SANEF Fundraiser Gala Dinner 2023

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) hereby invites event management companies and individuals to bid to manage the Annual SANEF Fundraiser Gala Dinner event scheduled for 20 October 2023.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: close of business, Friday 17 March 2023

Introduction

Event Management Tender for:

Introduction

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is the most influential media freedom advocacy grouping in South Africa. It consists of editors and senior journalists operating in print, broadcasting, and digital mainstream at national, regional and community media levels. It also serves media trainers and academics from major journalism departments and training institutes in the country.

Since 2016, SANEF decided to hold an annual fundraising gala dinner to commemorate Black Wednesday and for the purpose of mobilising financial resources for SANEF’s media legal defence fund. SANEF commemorates Black Wednesday to emphasise the importance of media freedom and reflect on the fateful day of 19 October 1977 when the apartheid state banned several newspapers accused of being aligned with the black consciousness movement and ideology.

This year’s Gala Dinner is scheduled for 20 October 2023 in Johannesburg. A prominent South African or international speaker will be invited to address the event.

SANEF’s vision is to promote the quality and ethics of journalism, to reflect the diversity of South Africa, and to champion freedom of expression.

Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner: 20 October 2023

Different categories of sponsors need to be secured. The event company will be paid a commission of 10% on all new funding it has raised, noting that SANEF members are also encouraged to separately solicit funding for the organisation.

We would like bid companies to present plans: –

  • Outlining the innovative theme for the gala dinner
  • Proposed venue with creative plans to make the experience of attendees exciting and memorable.
  • A strategy to use the evening to promote SANEF’s work and achievements.
  • A physical gala dinner event for 200 representatives of sponsors, donors, and media freedom partners.
  • Demonstrate the ability to promote the event and highlight its purpose and impact on the development and protection of media freedom via social media, and other media platforms, including the build-up towards the event.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and capacity to approach reputable pro-media freedom companies and institutions to solicit funding support for SANEF’s work.
  • Demonstrate innovation and creativity to accommodate potential contributions and support for SANEF’s fundraiser efforts from SMEs.

Submitting a tender for the event

The tender documentation must contain the following and bidders will be scored accordingly:

  1. Name of bidder and contact details.
  2. Company registration details, company profile and diversity information.
  3. Information on the bidder’s experience and ability to fundraise, and capacity to organise such a high-profile event within a reasonable budget – please provide examples and information of journalism or other media related fundraising events organised in the recent past, including contact details for reference purposes.
  1. Names and ID numbers of project team leaders, and their relevant experience in running such events.
  1. The bidder must outline how they would approach the fundraising event by providing concrete proposals on the following:
    • Fundraising event concept, also demonstrating how the Black Wednesday event will promote SANEF programmes, norms and standards.
    • Fundraising strategy – please list potential funders to be approached to support the cause, and provide an achievable goal of an amount to be raised.
    • Publicity, marketing and communications plan to stimulate interest in the fundraising event, including pre- and post-event communication with guests and funders.
    • Theme, entertainment and decorations.
    • Proposed venues and menus appropriate for the stature of the event.
    • An itemised budget covering all the activities listed in the proposal
  • Shortlisted bidders will be asked to compile a slide deck for presentation to the SANEF Management team.
  • Date for submission: close of business, Friday 17 March 2023
  • Submit your tender(s) to SANEF Administrator Ms Dzudzie Netshisaulu email: [email protected]. 

Please note the decision of the SANEF Management Committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into with unsuccessful bidders.

 

Annual Fundraiser

Call for Tender: Organising Annual SANEF Fundraiser Gala Dinner 2023

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15 February 2023

CALL FOR TENDER: ORGANISING ANNUAL SANEF FUNDRAISER GALA DINNER 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) hereby invites event management companies and individuals to bid to manage the Annual SANEF Fundraiser Gala Dinner event scheduled for 20th October 2023.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: close of business, Tuesday 28 February 2023

Introduction

Event Management Tender for:

  • Annual SANEF Fundraiser Gala Dinner: 20 October 2023

Introduction

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is the most influential media freedom advocacy grouping in South Africa. It consists of editors and senior journalists operating in print, broadcasting, and digital mainstream at national, regional and community media levels. It also serves media trainers and academics from major journalism departments and training institutes in the country.

Since 2016, SANEF decided to hold an annual fundraising gala dinner to commemorate Black Wednesday and for the purpose of mobilising financial resources for SANEF’s media legal defence fund. SANEF commemorates Black Wednesday to emphasise the importance of media freedom and reflect on the fateful day of 19 October 1977 when the apartheid state banned several newspapers accused of being aligned with the black consciousness movement and ideology.

This year’s Gala Dinner is scheduled for 20th October 2023 in Johannesburg. A prominent South African or international speaker will be invited to address the event.

SANEF’s vision is to promote the quality and ethics of journalism, to reflect the diversity of South Africa, and to champion freedom of expression.

Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner: October 2023

Call for Tender Organising and management of SANEF Fundraising Gala Dinner 2023 FINAL

Different categories of sponsors need to be secured. The event company will be paid a commission of 10% on all new funding it has raised noting that SANEF members are also encouraged to separately solicit funding for the organisation.

We would like bid companies to present plans: –

  • Outlining the innovative theme for the gala dinner
  • Proposed venue with creative plans to make the experience of attendees exciting and memorable.
  • A strategy to use the evening to promote SANEF’s work and achievements.
  • A physical gala dinner event for 200 representatives of sponsors, donors, and media freedom partners. Have a plan as an option of an exciting and innovative online event as a potential Plan B should COVID-19 protocols resurface.
  • Demonstrate the ability to promote the event and highlight its purpose and impact on the development and protection of media freedom via social media, and other media platforms, including the build-up towards the event.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and capacity to approach reputable pro-media freedom companies and institutions to solicit funding support for SANEF’s work.
  • Demonstrate innovation and creativity to accommodate potential contributions and support for SANEF’s fundraiser efforts from SMEs.

Submitting a tender for the event

Prospective bidders may submit its tender proposing:

The tender document(s) must contain the following:

  • Name of bidder and contact details including company registration and names and ID numbers of representatives.
  • Three references (name, phone and email, context in which you have worked together).
  • Outline how the bidder would approach the Fundraising Gala Dinner in terms of:
    • Event concept.
    • Theme, including entertainment and decorations.
    • Proposed venues and menus appropriate for the stature of the event.
    • Detailed budget.
    •  Include concrete proposals for using this event as a means of fundraising for and promotion of SANEF norms and standards.
  • Shortlisted bidders will be asked to present to the SANEF Management team.
  • Date for submission: close of business, Monday 20 February 2023
  • Submit your tender(s) to SANEF Administrator Ms Dzudzie Netshisaulu email: [email protected]. 

Please note the decision of the SANEF Management Committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into with unsuccessful bidders.

 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 the 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.

 

7 (2)

SANEF’s annual fundraising dinner remembers Black Wednesday, in honour of media freedom

, ,

Forty-five years since the brutality of the events of Black Wednesday on 19 October 1977, media freedom was not only trampled upon back then, but we also still see this key tenet of Article 16 of the Bill of the Rights being violated this day, in a country with an august Constitution.

As key proponents and defenders of media freedom, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has since 2016 been holding an annual fundraising dinner during the week of Black Wednesday, aimed at raising funds towards legal cases that the organisation usually undertakes.

SANEF is always at the forefront of the protection of journalists’ media freedom and will always take up cases aimed at availing legal defences through a myriad of interventions, such as when access to courts is denied or journalists are hauled to court.

In some parts of our globe, journalists face stringent, punitive, and deadly working environments where they are being targeted, simply for doing their jobs. Here at home, we have noted an increased number of misogynistic posts on social media, all aimed at women journalists. Worryingly, we have also seen a former president taking a journalist to court, a development that should be condemned and challenged in its entirety.

Black Wednesday refers to events of 19 October 1977, when apartheid-era Justice Minister Jimmy Kruger outlawed over eighteen organisations, including the Union of Black Journalists (UBJ) and three newspapers, The World, Weekend World edited by Percy Qoboza, and Pro Veritate, the publication published by anti-apartheid activist Beyers Naude. Qoboza and his deputy, Aggrey Klaaste were imprisoned. Naude and Donald Woods, editor of the Daily Dispatch, were banned from writing and put under house arrest.

Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF’s chairperson, said: “As the media and the judiciary – working independently – we have kept the fires burning in this country while other institutions seemed to be falling apart. That is why we asked the former Deputy Chief Justice to speak on the following topic: The Media and the Judiciary: What role should they play in the post State Capture era.

“I’m sure we will learn a lot from his insights and wisdom – he may be retired but fortunately wisdom does not retire but is only sharpened by time. The easy answer to the topic would be to say – for us as the media – we need to continue being vigilant and to relentlessly hold the powerful to account.”

The annual fundraiser dinner was held in Johannesburg, where a notable number of corporates bought tables, in support of SANEF’s work. The dinner’s guest speaker was retired Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke.

In his address, Moseneke, said: “So SANEF has rightly joined others in our nation never to forget Black Wednesday.  History tends to repeat itself.  Then or now, here, or elsewhere, power brokers in public affairs and in private spaces detest and fear the Fourth Estate.  At the best of times, they would choose a compliant or uncritical media.  If everything else fails the powerful would choose to silence free, public expression by jailing, threatening or even murdering journalists. Journalists across the world are facing increasingly hostile environments. Many have been threatened and publicly assaulted or killed as they strive to search for the truth and publish the facts.  Just as well we wrote in Section 16 of our 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 the 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:

  •  Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 379 4957
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695 

Socials

Annual SANEF Fundraiser Dinner 2022

, ,

Forty-five years since the brutality of the events of Black Wednesday on 19 October 1977, media freedom was not only trampled upon back then, but we also still see this key tenet of Article 16 of the Bill of the Rights being violated this day, in a country with an august Constitution.

As key proponents and defenders of media freedom, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has since 2016 been holding an annual fundraising dinner during the week of Black Wednesday, aimed at raising funds towards legal cases that the organisation usually undertakes.

SANEF is always at the forefront of the protection of journalists’ media freedom and will always take up cases aimed at availing legal defences through a myriad of interventions, such as when access to courts is denied or journalists are hauled to court.

In some parts of our globe, journalists face stringent, punitive, and deadly working environments where they are being targeted, simply for doing their jobs. Here at home, we have noted an increased number of misogynistic posts on social media, all aimed at women journalists. Worryingly, we have also seen a former president taking a journalist to court, a development that should be condemned and challenged in its entirety.

Black Wednesday refers to events of 19 October 1977, when apartheid-era Justice Minister Jimmy Kruger outlawed over eighteen organisations, including the Union of Black Journalists (UBJ) and three newspapers, The World, Weekend World edited by Percy Qoboza, and Pro Veritate, the publication published by anti-apartheid activist Beyers Naude. Qoboza and his deputy, Aggrey Klaaste were imprisoned. Naude and Donald Woods, editor of the Daily Dispatch, were banned from writing and put under house arrest.

Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF’s chairperson, said: “As the media and the judiciary – working independently – we have kept the fires burning in this country while other institutions seemed to be falling apart. That is why we asked the former Deputy Chief Justice to speak on the following topic: The Media and the Judiciary: What role should they play in the post State Capture era.

“I’m sure we will learn a lot from his insights and wisdom – he may be retired but fortunately wisdom does not retire but is only sharpened by time. The easy answer to the topic would be to say – for us as the media – we need to continue being vigilant and to relentlessly hold the powerful to account.”

The annual fundraiser dinner was held in Johannesburg, where a notable number of corporates bought tables, in support of SANEF’s work. The dinner’s guest speaker was retired Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke.

In his address, Moseneke, said: “So SANEF has rightly joined others in our nation never to forget Black Wednesday.  History tends to repeat itself.  Then or now, here, or elsewhere, power brokers in public affairs and in private spaces detest and fear the Fourth Estate.  At the best of times, they would choose a compliant or uncritical media.  If everything else fails the powerful would choose to silence free, public expression by jailing, threatening or even murdering journalists. Journalists across the world are facing increasingly hostile environments. Many have been threatened and publicly assaulted or killed as they strive to search for the truth and publish the facts.  Just as well we wrote in Section 16 of our 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 the 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:

  •  Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Acting Secretary-General (082) 379 4957
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610-9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Chiara Carter – Acting SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 For The Buz Factor

Bridget van Oerle –  [email protected] (083) 263 6991
Soci:

 

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SANEF Celebrates 25 Years at Fundraiser Dinner Marking Black Wednesday

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The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) is celebrating 25 years of championing media freedom and will hold a Fundraising Dinner to mark this milestone on Friday 15 October 2021.

SANEF was born when two influential organisations united to build a formidable institution, instrumental in the protection of media and public’s right to know about the affairs of their country.

Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of disaster relief organisation, Gift of the Givers, will deliver the keynote address, speaking on: “The role and importance of independent journalism and active citizenry in a weak state.” Sooliman was this week deservedly crowned the Social Justice Champion of 2021.

SANEF will also use the event to commemorate 44 years since the tragic events of 19 October 1977, when scores of journalists and black consciousness leaders were detained and banned by the apartheid regime in a desperate attempt to stop them from exposing atrocities by an oppressive regime against the people of this country. October 19 is a constant reminder that our freedom was hard won, and many sacrificed their lives for a democratic South Africa.

Sbu Ngalwa, chairperson of SANEF, said: “Today, the work of fearless people like Percy Qoboza, Don Mattera, Mathatha Tsedu, Joe Tlholoe and Aggrey Klaaste, to name a few, continues to inspire us that there is more to do as we seek to safeguard hard earned freedoms like freedom of expression. We know of current challenges faced by journalists, not only locally, but the world over. We are driven to continue doing and acceding to the organisation’s founding principles.”

The fundraising dinner will also see the launch of a commemorative booklet, marking SANEF’s 25th – birthday – documenting the struggles, victories, and challenges ahead for defenders of our freedom.

As SANEF we are thankful to all those that continue to support the work SANEF does, anchored in Article 16 of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights that guarantees press freedom. We urge South Africans to continue being the first line of defence for our journalists and their work and underscoring that a free media is a critical tenet of a healthy democracy.

The birth of SANEF was as a result of a merger of two previously polarised groups – the Black Editors’ Forum (BEF) and the Conference of Editors (CoE). The BEF was motivated by strong black consciousness beliefs while the CoE was largely made up of white, male, middle-class English, and Afrikaans newspaper editors.

They did, however, share common ideals which included a free press and a commitment to ethical journalism and the development of journalists, amongst other principles.

After a rocky start with diametrically opposed views, there was a willingness in the BEF and COF ranks to make things work, and soon enough an agreement in principle was hammered out. This was based on the consensus shared by all editors that, no matter their background, that it was essential to form a single organisation. What followed was a celebratory founding event held in October 1996 at the Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town.

SANEF today is active in not only defending our hard-won press freedoms, but we also have extensive programmes to train journalists and promote high ethical standards in newsrooms.

As the country battles to recover from a devastating pandemic and rebuild the economy, SANEF has also focused on the sustainability of the industry.

The project began with raising funds to support journalists who lost their jobs because of lockdown regulations to help curb the spread of Covid-19. The Media Relief Fund supported by corporate South Africa and ordinary people was able to support close to 500 media workers.

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 the 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:

  • Sbu Ngala – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610-9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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Invitation to Tender: SANEF Events 2021

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Event Management Tender for two separate events:

  • Virtual/ physical SANEF Nat Nakasa Award: August 2021
  • Virtual/ physical 25 Year Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner: October 2021

Introduction

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is the most influential media freedom advocacy grouping in South Africa. It consists of editors and senior journalists operating in print, broadcasting and digital mainstream at national, regional and community media levels. It also serves media trainers and academics from major journalism departments and training institutes in the country.

SANEF’s vision is to promote the quality and ethics of journalism, to reflect the diversity of South Africa, and to champion freedom of expression.

Event management services

SANEF would like to invite event management companies and individuals to bid to manage one or both of the following events:

Event #1: Nat Nakasa Award: August 2021

Nat Nakasa was a prominent South African journalist and writer who died in exile in 1965. The annual Nat Nakasa Award is awarded for courageous and brave journalism. The Award recognises any media practitioner – journalist, editor, manager or owner who has:

  • Shown integrity and reported fearlessly.
  • Displayed a commitment to serve the people of South Africa.
  • Tenaciously striven to maintain a publication or other medium despite significant obstacles.
  • Resisted any censorship.
  • Shown courage in making information available to the SA public.

The winner is selected by a jury based on nominations submitted by the public.

The Nat Nakasa Award was previously a gala dinner event. Due to the COVID-19 crisis last year it was held virtually and the launch of the winner – which was the media industry as a whole – was announced with the flighting of a documentary on SA media’s coronavirus coverage.  This year the event which will require innovation and creativity to ensure widespread and active participation is scheduled for August 2021. The award is kindly sponsored by Sanlam. The selection of journalists for the awards will be adjudicated by a panel of media stalwarts.

We would like bid companies to give us two options – a physical gala dinner event for 100 people and also the option of an exciting and innovative online event (with entertainment options). We will decide closer to the time as to which option is preferable. 

Event #2: 25 Year Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner: October 2021

In 2016 SANEF decided to hold an annual fundraising gala dinner to commemorate Black Wednesday and for the purpose of mobilising financial resources for SANEF’s media legal defence fund. SANEF commemorates Black Wednesday to emphasise the importance of media freedom and reflect on the fateful day of 19 October 1977 when the apartheid state banned several newspapers accused of being aligned with the black consciousness movement and ideology.

This year’s 25 Year Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner is scheduled for October 2021 in Johannesburg. A prominent South African or international speaker will be invited to address the event. Different categories of sponsors need to be secured. The event company will be paid a commission of 10% on all funding raised.

We would like bid companies to give us two options – a physical gala dinner event for 200 people and also the option of an exciting and innovative online event (with entertainment options). We will decide closer to the time as to which option is preferable.

Submitting a tender for one or both events

Prospective companies and individuals (bidders) may tender for one or both events. If bidders choose to tender for both events then two separate tenders must be submitted.

The tender document(s) must contain the following:

  • Name of bidder and contact details including company registration and names and ID numbers of representatives.
  • Three references (name, phone and email, context in which you have worked together).
  • Outline how the bidder would approach the Nat Nakasa Award and/or Fundraising Gala Dinner in terms of:
    • Event concept.
    • Theme, including entertainment and decorations.
    • Proposed venues and menus (as appropriate).
    • Detailed budget.

Any tender submitted for the Fundraising Gala Dinner must also include concrete proposals for using this event as a means of fundraising for SANEF.

  • Shortlisted bidders will be asked to present to the SANEF Management team.
  • Date for submission: end of business on 30 April 2021.
  • Submit your tender(s) to [email protected]. 

Please note the decision of the SANEF Management Committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into with unsuccessful bidders.

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

6 (2)

De Ruyter Highlights Strides Eskom is Making in Recovering Looted Billions

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Andre de Ruyter – Eskom CEO

By Nomahlubi Jordaan of the Sowetan

Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter said the power utility had recovered more than R1bn from companies that played a role in state capture. The power utility was also making headway in recovering more money from companies and individuals fingered in corruption, De Ruyter said.

De Ruyter was addressing the South African National Editors’ Forum fundraising breakfast event in Johannesburg. Watch his entire speech here

“In exposing the malfeasance that has characterised Eskom for so long, we have been able to recover R1.1bn from McKinsey. We have recovered in excess of R770m from Deloitte consulting,” said De Ruyter at the SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) fundraising event on Friday.

He said Eskom was in the process of recovering more than R700m from Trillian and from PwC Consulting.

“We’ve also gone after the individuals who have sought to enrich themselves at the expense of SA, of the taxpayer and of electricity consumers, by launching in conjunction with the SIU an R3.8bn claim against the Guptas, Salim Essa, Mosebenzi Zwane and former Eskom executives including former CEOs.”

“The principle is not so much that we will recover all the money — much of the money I’m sure has been stashed safely away in strange jurisdictions around the world — but we understand that without holding people to account, you open the doors to a free-for-all,” De Ruyter said.

The power utility, he said, had parted ways with no fewer than 30 senior executives and managers.

“We are continuing to investigate and register cases to hold those to account. The sad part is that as a consequence of state capture, such an important institution as Eskom has been hollowed out to a very large extent and it’s not only reflected in the poor maintenance of our power stations, which we are recovering. It’s not only reflected in how we have handled billing of municipalities, but it’s also in systems and processes in our very culture as an organisation.

“Rebuilding the ethos that made Eskom the top global utility in the world as recently as 2001 — that is a mountain we have to climb,” he said.

Political leadership should also be held to account, De Ruyter said.

He said he had not experienced any political interference, particularly from public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan.

“I think I have been given a free hand to do what I think is best from a business perspective, in conjunction with the Eskom board.

“There is no pressure on me to award a contract to a particular vendor. There is no pressure on me to appoint particular people in particular positions and that I think is crucial in restoring trust.”

With Eskom’s gross debt approaching half a trillion rand, De Ruyter said the utility posed a systemic risk to the country’s economy.

“We need to find a way of making Eskom financially sustainable and that is a challenge we are engaged with now.

“We are grateful for the fiscal support we receive from the National Treasury. Up until 2026, we anticipate that we will be receiving about R121bn. The sad part of this fiscal support is that its money that is diverted from other key national priorities. We need to wean ourselves off taxpayers’ support as soon as possible.”

The best way to move away from taxpayers’ support, De Ruyter said, was for Eskom to charge cost-effective tariffs.

“No business can survive by selling its product below its cost of production.”

De Ruyter also announced that Eskom was on Friday on its 40th day of not burning any diesel to support its system.

“This is at the same time as we have taken out for long-term maintenance — the so-called reliability maintenance programme — 11 units, which is equivalent to two major power stations that we have taken off the grid that we are now maintaining.

“For us to be able to keep the country’s lights on without using diesel while doing maintenance, I think is good.”

He said diesel cost Eskom R10m per hour.

“It speaks to the need for us to fix the operational integrity of Eskom.”

This included getting Medupi and Kusile functioning well, he said.

“We are making good progress on that. We now know what the design defects are that have bedevilled those two plants. We have implemented modifications on four of the units at Medupi and we are now at a point where those units can operate to their full capacity.”

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