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SANEF Engages Parliament on the State of the Media

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) participated in a panel discussion before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies on Wednesday in Pretoria. The discussion focused on the current state of the media in South Africa, with SANEF highlighting the devastating impact of economic challenges—particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic—which has led to the closure of numerous community-based print, online, and broadcast platforms. SANEF emphasised the critical role of community media in preserving and promoting Indigenous languages, calling for greater recognition and support for these platforms.

During the session, SANEF outlined its key advocacy initiatives, including efforts to enhance access to government-related information across all three spheres of administration and among state agencies.

Additionally, SANEF used the opportunity to brief the committee on its recent Indigenous Languages and Media seminars, hosted in partnership with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the United Nations in Pretoria. These seminars were aimed at strengthening the use and development of Indigenous languages through various media platforms.

Another major focus of SANEF’s engagement was its Digitisation Drive for Community Media, an initiative designed to improve the digital presence and sustainability of community media organisations. Through this pilot project, fifteen community publications and radio stations received support to establish viable, self-sustaining websites, alongside advanced leadership, and management training. The initiative equipped these media partners with essential digital tools and platforms, enhancing their content creation and distribution capabilities.

Recognising the industry-wide shift from traditional media—such as print newspapers and radio—to digital platforms, SANEF’s Digitisation Drive specifically supports independent community publishers and broadcasters in adapting to this transition. The program provided equitable access to technology and training, ensuring that community media could effectively reach and engage their audiences in the digital space.

Additionally, SANEF explained the Community Media Support Services (CMSS), as an ongoing initiative aiding media organisations that were not part of the initial pilot program. By bridging the digital divide, this initiative is helping community media remain relevant and financially sustainable.

SANEF also appealed to the government to fulfill its commitment of allocating at least 30% of its advertising budget to community media platforms. This measure would provide much-needed financial support to these platforms, empowering them to continue their vital work in promoting Indigenous languages and serving local communities.

SANEF remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure a sustainable and diverse media landscape in South Africa, with a strong emphasis on protecting press freedom and fostering media innovation.

Committee Chairperson Commits to Support the Work of GCIS and Media Sector

In a statement after the event, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, reiterated the committee’s commitment to collaborate with the work done by Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) and the media sector.

As part of its week-long oversight visit to Gauteng, the committee spent the whole day at the GCIS offices in Pretoria on Wednesday engaging with the GCIS on its value chain across all spheres of government as well as compliance with the 30% government Adspend for community media.

The committee was then dismayed to learn about the non-existent of policy, regulation and legislative framework upon which the GCIS can rely on to enforce this crucial undertaking by government, which was designed to augment the Media Development and Diversity Agency’s (MDDA’s) funding stream for the community media. Ms Diko said that the matter should be given attention, if the country is serious about developing the much-needed community media.

The committee also engaged with MDDA and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) on the status of community print and online media on sustainability in a digital age.

Although acknowledging the need for transformation to digital platforms and the use of artificial intelligence by the community media, the committee chairperson emphasised the importance of preserving the print community newspapers. “We call for digital first, and not digital only as we seek to transform and guarantee the sustainability of community media,” she said.

She also welcomed the Digital Media Transformation Fund set aside by AIP and Google to fund community digital media platforms, saying the initiative will go a long way in transforming the community media space.

The last part of the programme consisted of two segments of panel discussions on advertising in community newspapers and online media by GCIS, Business Unity South Africa, Media Mix and Capro as well as promotion of indigenous language media by GCIS, PanSalb and the South African National Editors Forum.

Ms Diko said that the committee will take all discussions into consideration when compiling an oversight report, which will consist of clear recommendations on the way forward.

Ends

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Seminar Reflects on Fostering Linguistic Diversity in SA Media

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The second Indigenous Languages Seminar, held on August 7, 2024, has marked a crucial reflection on South Africa’s 30 years of democracy and its progress in fostering linguistic diversity, with special emphasis on marginalised indigenous languages.

It was a pivotal event aimed at addressing the pressing issues surrounding the preservation and promotion of South Africa’s indigenous languages within the media landscape.

Organised by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) in collaboration with key partners, including the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the United Nations South Africa, the seminar brought together media professionals, academics, and language experts.

With participants including government representatives, media veterans, educators, and young entrepreneurs, the seminar underscored the media’s vital role in promoting indigenous languages and ensuring access to information in mother tongues. It also provided a platform for stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of existing initiatives and propose solutions to the challenges faced by indigenous language media in the country.

The seminar sessions featured discussions on the media’s contribution to language preservation, the challenges posed by commercial pressures, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in language development, and the need for greater collaboration between mainstream and community media. With an eye on fostering an inclusive and equitable society, the event emphasised the need for innovative approaches to support indigenous languages in the digital age.

You can download speeches and presentations below:

  1. Opening Remarks Chairperson Ms Nwabisa Makunga
  2. PanSaLB Lance Schultz SPEECH Seminar
  3. UN remarks_ Indigenous Media Seminar
  4. MeD8 Media Presentation ILM Seminar
  5. YLP Majola Presentation
  6. Prof Vukosi Marivate Presentation
  7. SAASTA Presentation Indigenous Language Seminar
  8. Indigenous Languages Seminar 2024 Report

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), estimates that 43% of the world’s approximately 6,000 languages are in danger of extinction. We need to take immediate action to preserve and promote indigenous languages. I am delighted to note that the United Nations remains a leading voice in this fight.

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which the UN adopted in 2007, acknowledges the rights of indigenous peoples to their languages, traditions, and education. The declaration addresses the right to preserve, utilise, develop, and transmit languages to future generations.

Additionally, the UN has designated specific years and decades as priority areas for indigenous languages. The International Year of Indigenous Languages of 2019 was the most significant. It addressed the dire state of indigenous languages and aimed to motivate immediate action to preserve, revitalise, and promote them. The UN has reaffirmed its dedication to this cause by establishing the International Decade of Indigenous Languages from 2022 to 2032.

When it comes to preserving languages from extinction, UNESCO is in the vanguard.

The UN initiatives have greatly influenced and inspired numerous countries and global movements to preserve indigenous languages and for governments to enact laws and policies that safeguard indigenous languages. Among others, these include the US, Canada, and New Zealand. Here in South Africa, the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act of 2019 acknowledges indigenous laws and knowledge.

One crucial area where our efforts are most clearly seen is education. Several countries have instituted culturally relevant curricula, bilingual education programmes, and schools that immerse students in indigenous languages. These programmes positively impact the cultural pride, academic achievement, and language preservation of indigenous children.

The UN work has also led to growth of community-driven initiatives as these typically achieve the most significant and long-lasting outcomes. To guarantee the survival of their languages, indigenous communities are developing digital resources, including language applications and online dictionaries.

The UN consistently advocate for the collaboration and sharing of successful strategies among indigenous groups and countries worldwide. We convene numerous conferences, seminars, and cultural exchanges to facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and innovative solutions.

The contemporary digital era presents unparalleled opportunities to preserve languages. Through mobile applications, social media, and digital platforms, language acquisition can be accessible to a broad audience. However, indigenous groups should be involved in the design and governance of these technologies in order to maintain cultural integrity.

Revitalising a language necessitates a continuous commitment and focus. Achieving long-term change requires more than just finance or programmes with a short timeline.  Although the UN’s programmes have been inspiring for the past decade, their success is contingent upon the continued investment of time and resources by all parties involved.

While the UN has played a crucial role in bringing attention to the issue of indigenous languages, we still have a long way to go. The lessons learnt underscore the significance of respect, comprehensive approaches, policy support, technical advancement, and dedication in the long term.  Moving ahead, we must stay committed to preserving indigenous languages and the cultural richness they embody by leveraging these lessons and working together.

ENDS

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Sanef Announces Seminar on Indigenous Languages and the Media

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) in conjunction with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the United Nations South Africa will on 07 August 2024 host the seminar on the media’s role in the development and preservation of indigenous languages at the Radisson Blue Hotel, Gautrain, Sandton in Johannesburg.

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 announce an upcoming seminar on the media’s role in the development and preservation of indigenous languages. The seminar will take place on 07 August 2024, at the Radisson Blu Gautrain in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The seminar will focus on the media’s role in the development and preservation of indigenous languages, the impact of artificial intelligence on media, and strategies for the indigenous languages media sector to attract digital advertising and thrive.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural indigenous languages seminar, this event will delve into the progress made over the past year and identify the next steps in promoting indigenous languages in the media. Key developments, such as the translation of the Press Council of SA (PCSA)’s Press Code by the United Nations South Africa into several indigenous languages, will be highlighted and discussed.

This seminar is aimed at journalists, academics, analysts, and professionals in the business media sector. There will be a strong emphasis on community media practitioners, particularly those from small and independent outlets. Participants from digital, print, and broadcast media, as well as stakeholders with an interest in language development, are encouraged to attend.

The seminar will be interactive, guided by experienced moderators.

Reggy Moalusi, SANEF executive director says the seminar aims to foster meaningful conversations and debates, leading to actionable points that will drive the promotion and utilisation of indigenous languages in both formal and informal media settings. The media, including social media platforms, play a critical role in this effort, especially among young people, he says.

“As we mark 30 years of democracy and the vital role of linguistic diversity in South Africa’s media landscape, we also celebrate the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032 and the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. These milestones underscore the United Nations’ priority of multilingualism and our commitment to safeguarding and promoting indigenous languages. Ensuring that every language is respected and celebrated is essential to preserving cultural heritage and advancing inclusive development,” said Nelson Muffuh, UN resident Coordinator in South Africa.

The CEO of PanSALB, Mr. Lance Schultz, emphasised the importance of revitalising indigenous languages. He highlighted the critical role that the media has played in the past in preserving these languages and encouraged journalists to continue the legacy of the media leading efforts in language preservation through their use in print and broadcast media.

Sanef, PanSALB, and United Nations South Africa are committed to fostering a robust discussion on the media’s role in preserving and promoting indigenous languages, and we look forward to welcoming participants to this significant event.

About Sanef:

The South African National Editors’ Forum is a non-profit organization that promotes quality journalism and media freedom in South Africa. Sanef engages in advocacy, training, and support for journalists and media practitioners.

About PanSALB:

The Pan South African Language Board is a statutory body established to promote and create conditions for the development and use of all official languages of South Africa.

About UN South Africa:

The United Nations in South Africa operates through a network of 21 specialised agencies, funds, and programmes that work together to support the country’s development and humanitarian efforts. The UN in South Africa focuses on a range of issues, including sustainable development, health, education, human rights, and peace and security. UN works closely with the South African government, civil society, and other partners to address the country’s challenges and support its development goals. In South Africa, the Resident Coordinator is the head of the United Nations in South Africa and a representative of the UN Secretary-General.

For more information, please contact:

  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director – 0716823695
  • Hopewell Radebe – Projects Manager – 0835821734
  • Dzudzie Netshisaulu – Administrator – 0790297656
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Mentorship Scheme for Community Newsrooms Based in Kenya and Zambia and South Africa

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Call for Applications

Mentorship scheme for community newsrooms based in Kenya and Zambia and South Africa

Developing Editorial Policies and a Comprehensive Business Plan for Enhancing Sustainable, Independent and Ethical Journalism in Africa

Date: 25th March 2024| Application deadline: 3rd of April 2024.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation presents an exciting opportunity for community newsrooms in Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa to strengthen their resilience and sustainability framework by developing solid and updated set of Editorial Standards and Policies, and an integral Business Plan for their newsroom to respond to the challenging and fast-evolving landscape in the African Media.

Throughout the course, newsrooms will work with regional and international mentors to develop and/or strengthen their editorial policies and business plans addressing key areas of need previously identified with the support from the lead mentor. Areas of need could include, for example, operations, assessment of their business model and newsroom management, editorial policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the newsrooms, content and data sharing, and sourcing, among others.

The mentorship programme will consist of three parts:

  1. Needs assessment: TRF will connect with the selected newsrooms to better understand their needs and tailor the mentoring programme according to the newsrooms’ needs.
  2. Training and mentoring: based on the needs of the newsrooms the consultants will conduct a four-day training and intensive mentoring course in Nairobi, Kenya, where the representatives from the newsroom will have an overview of the areas of focus in relation to their editorial policies and business plans.

*The training and mentoring will take place during the week of the 22nd of April. TRF will cover travel expenses and accommodation.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We are looking for:

  • Community based newsrooms who are:
    • Editorially independent, regardless of ownership. This means that editors have the freedom to make decisions without interference from the owners of the publication, business interests and/or other non-editorial actors. Not owned, controlled, affiliated or associated with government, political entities or politically exposed persons.
    • Focusing some or all of their content on producing original public interest journalism. This means their journalism should aim to inform the public about matters of relevance to their lives, well-being, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens
    • Striving to produce balanced, fair and accurate journalism, which explores all sides of an issue and presents those findings accurately.
  • Newsrooms based in the community with at least three or more employees.
  • Newsrooms based in South Africa
  • Newsrooms with the capacity and willingness to commit to attend a four-day in person training and mentoring in Nairobi, Kenya on the week of the 22nd of April.
  • Staff attending the training and mentoring should speak fluent English. 

Expression of interest overview:

To apply, the newsroom’s Editor in Chief, Senior Editors in charge or Editorial Managers, should email [email protected] expressing your interest in participating in the training and mentoring by midday, 3rd of April 2024. 

Applicants should attach the following documents as part of the application process:

  • A link or pdf of your current Editorial Standards and Policies and/or other related documents
  • If the newsroom currently has an operational business plan in place, please attach a copy.
  • Two relevant work samples of public-interest type content (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio based newsrooms may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
  • A statement of up to 300 words addressing the following:
    • Nominating two people from your newsroom who will take part in the programme: include their names and current position. Ideally, one person with Editorial management responsibilities and one person within the operations and management of the newsroom should take part.
    • how do you expect to benefit from this programme
    • how your newsroom fits the eligibility criteria, responding to the following questions:
      • Are you editorially independent or aspire to be editorially independent?
      • What is the ownership structure of your newsroom?
      • What is the size of your newsroom?
      • What is the reach and size of your audience?
      • Please include links to your social media channels

 

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SANEF Second Call For Independent Newsrooms To Join Community Media Digitisation Drive

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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:

  1. Be a community media organisation that lacks or has an underperforming digital presence.
  2. Primarily operate in the community media sector (print and/or broadcast).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Have healthy relationships with local businesses that would be open to trying new or additional forms of advertising and partnerships.
  6. Subscribe to and abide by the South African Press Code of the Press Council and/or the BCCSA Code.
  7. 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. 

  1. 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.
  2. Applications are open to independent publishers/community broadcasters with or without existing websites.
  3. 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.
  4. Selected participants will also play a mentorship role to support others, to encourage skills transfer within the sector.

To apply for this programme, please fill in the application form here: https://bit.ly/SANEFDIGITISATION

 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

 

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SANEF Condemns Acts of Violence Against Newcastle Advertiser Female Journalists by the Town’s Mayor

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17 March 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns the acts of intimidation and harassment of the Newcastle Advertiser journalists by the municipality mayor Xolani Dube and his deputy Sugar Thwala.

SANEF understands that on 2 March, the Newcastle Advertiser journalist Estella Naicker was covering the story of the Newcastle Resident’s Association (NRF) members filling potholes in their area.

“I was on Hathorn Street (Newcastle, Ward 3) at about 1.30 pm chatting to members of the Newcastle Residents Forum (NRF), Matthew Shunmugam and Neil Sooknanan about a project they were busy with, repairing potholes … a convoy of vehicles arrived.

“The environment was tense and there was immediately some heckling. The councillors accused Matthew of trying to redeem himself for failing to fill those very same potholes before he decided to retire as a councillor,” said Naicker.

She said the deputy mayor Thwala demanded to know “what I was doing there, saying that nobody invited me to be there and asked that I leave. Mayor Xolani Dube accused me of being paid by the ANC to write negative stories about them.”

She said she moved across the road and the councillors saw that she had her phone out, taking photos. They objected which prompted two bodyguards to rush across the street demanding her phone.

“I shouted that they had no right to take my phone and I would regard that as theft. They demanded the pics be deleted and then took my phone deleting any pics they found on it of the scene that was unfolding. Then they handed my phone back. I had one bodyguard standing on either side of me after that to make sure I didn’t take any more photos.

Naicker said she called her colleague Zianne Leibrandt , to let her know about what was happening. Leibrandt brought along another journalist Mbali Butale to record the incident but they were blocked when they arrived and ordered by the politicians’ bodyguards not to do their job including taking pictures.

Deputy mayor Thwala approached Naicker and began yelling at her for publishing articles about him. She has written an exposé on the municipality, in a damning 4-page series, regarding the awarding of a contract to a company called Pro Afrika for R43.5 million – for a water and sanitation project.

SANEF regards the actions of the mayor, deputy mayor and councillors as unacceptable violent behaviour of a criminal nature towards female journalists. Instead of cleaning Instead of focusing on their responsibilities, these councillors have decided to be extremely hostile towards the Newcastle Advertiser which is investigating and exposing the corruption and fraud in the municipality.

It is an indictment on our democracy to witness attacks on journalists happening under the mayor’s watch, if not orchestrated by the town’s first citizen, and law enforcement officials turning a blind eye. Both Mayor Dube and his deputy Thwala took oath to uphold the same Constitution that upholds media freedom as one of the major pillars of our democracy. They should be charged for the breach of their Constitutional duties. We will also be writing formal complaints to their respective political parties, about their behaviour and call for action.

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
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • 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
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SANEF is Horrified by Growing Trends of Physically Intimidating and Trends of Harming Journalists

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15 March 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is horrified by growing trends of physically intimidating and harming journalists to stop them from reporting on important stories in the Eastern Cape.

We have learnt that the Dispatch’s senior reporter received an anonymous call from a person who didn’t introduce himself and told him to watch his back as there were people hired to shoot him.

The caller urged him to be careful on stories he has been investigating that, SANEF is led to believe, are related to the assassination of University of Fort Hare (UFH) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Sakhela Buhlungu’s close protector – Mboneni Vesele. The newspaper was forced to pull the shaken journalist out of the stories he was working on last week Thursday.

SANEF applauds the Dispatch editors and management for their immediate action to ensure the safety of the journalist who is currently in a safer place. We also note that the matter was brought to the attention of law-enforcement authorities for proper investigation who have assigned a police Captain to investigate the case.

In September last year, the Herald reporter was harassed and intimidated by locals who clashed with foreigners in Plettenberg Bay forcing the journalist to leave her home because of threats of violence by community members in KwaNokuthula township. So bad has the situation become that the reporter and the publication decided that her news reports will no longer carry her name to mitigate the intimidation and make her feel more at ease in a community in which she too is a member.

This is an indictment on our society when journalists, for safety reasons, must be removed from stories with clear public interest because the subjects of the reports are threatening to unleash violence. This is shameful.

Our democracy is enriched when journalists are allowed to report fearlessly, without intimidation. When this right is taken away from them, the victim is not simply the media, it is members of society who have a right to access information critical to the functioning of their country and democracy.

We believe that justice would be served if law enforcement authorities were to send a strong message by arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.

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
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • 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
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SANEF Calls for Independent Newsrooms to Join Community Media Digitisation Drive 

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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 that can lead to future growth.

To address this issue, SANEF is launching a programme to assist selected print and broadcast community media organisations to map out their online media strategies and to develop sustainable websites, workflows, and other digital media platforms.

The programme will also assist newsrooms to enhance their content creation and distribution practices and fully use available digital tools.

The programme will help participants set up tools and workflows for digital newsgathering, multimedia production, content management, and 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).

To qualify, your organisation will need to:

  1. Be a community media organisation that lacks or has an underperforming digital presence.
  2. Primarily operate in the community media sector (print and/or broadcast).
  3. Have at least 3 years 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Have healthy relationships with local businesses that would be open to trying new or additional forms of advertising and partnerships.
  6. Subscribe to and abide by the South African Press Code of the Press Council and/or the BCCSA Code.
  7. Be registered as a company, co-operative, or NPO.

Applications are open until 20 March 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.

To apply for this programme, please fill in the application form here: https://forms.gle/8qugv4uZuQh6H3Qx8

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
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • 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
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SANEF Hosts Successful AGM as It Reflects on Challenges, Successes, and the Road Ahead for Journalism

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South African National Editors’ Forum commends the bravery of the country’s journalists, who are working under very difficult conditions while navigating the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. The recent unrests in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal saw journalists’ lives being threatened and at least 5 radio stations attacked, and their equipment stolen.

SANEF held a virtual non-elective Annual General Meeting, on Saturday 14 August, and discussed several issues including the challenges facing the industry – from media freedom, media sustainability, training of journalists ahead of the elections, access to information, education & training, and support for community media.

The AGM reasserted the pivotal role that journalism continues to play in our constitutional democracy and the importance of the work that has earnestly started to get the media industry to be financially sustainable.

Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF chairperson, said: “We have a lot of work ahead of us as an industry. We are now fully engaged with the work towards the sustainability of our profession. Members attending this AGM yet again reiterated their commitment and support to all efforts to ensure that we continue to enjoy a strong and independent media which produces quality journalism”.

Five community radio stations support

SANEF has decided to support five community stations that were recently affected by the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The five stations, Intokozo FM in Umlazi, Kasie FM in Katlehong, Alex FM in Alexandra, Mams FM in Mamelodi and Westside FM 98.9 MHz in Kagiso, will each been assisted with R20 000 to use towards the purchase of equipment they need as they work towards recovery, fully focused on serving their communities once more. The five stations were also specially recognised at the Nat Nakasa Awards, held on Saturday evening in Johannesburg.

For more information please contact:

  • Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson, (083) 399-2852
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Deputy Chairperson, (082) 805-7022
  • Moipone Malefane – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 772-5861
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (073) 404-1415
  • Janet Heard – SANEF Western Cape Convenor (078) 041-9528
  • Hopewell Radebe – SANEF Gauteng Regional Convenor (083) 582-1734
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

 

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