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African Media Councils Form a Pan-African Network for Self-regulatory Bodies

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MEDIA STATEMENT: Friday 17 May 2024

In an African first, the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) was formed on Thursday 16 May 2024 after the inaugural meeting of African media councils convened by the South African Press Council in Cape Town, South Africa.

The 13 councils from East, West and Southern Africa resolved to establish the new body to bring together independent media content regulators from around the continent and to convene regularly to discuss the strengthening of media freedom, ethics and public accountability on the continent.

NIMCA calls on independent media regulators in other African countries to join the new organisation to promote self-regulation as the cornerstone of a free, professional and credible media in an evolving communications landscape where social media is implicated in the circulation of unethical and low-quality content.

NIMCA’s objective is for the professional media to report freely and without fear of reprisals while at the same time being accountable for living up to journalistic ethical standards and codes of practice.

NIMCA’s ethos and operations will be guided by the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, issued by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2019.

The Cape Town meeting agreed that the media, irrespective of whether it is privately or government funded, needs to operate in a free environment with no threats of censorship, intimidation, harassment or threats against journalists. This is because independent and professional journalism is a critical pillar of society that holds governments and other powerful actors accountable, informs the citizenry and help them understand their societies and events as they unfold.

The African media councils met during Africa Month and shortly after World Press Freedom Day and deliberated on a range of issues, from the governance of digital platforms and companies, through to developing a pan-African media ethics framework and ethos, along with UNESCO’s principles for a communications regulatory system that works to foster ethical and credible journalism.

The regulators emphasised that in jurisdictions where co-regulation is constitutionally stipulated, media councils and similar bodies must be allowed to self-regulate and act independently from government. They agreed that trust in and credibility of the media is vital for its survival, and that self-regulatory mechanisms are key to uphold professional standards and consider complaints where media fall short of meeting these.

Delegates also highlighted the issue of gender equity and sensitivity in the composition of regulatory bodies. The NIMCA executive body will in future be formed with equal representation of men and women.

Delegates from the media councils shared their best practices and challenges about press freedom, as well as how to foster ethical journalism in an environment where the media and its regulatory bodies face a crisis of funding and sustainability.

In a fast-changing digital environment, the media regulatory bodies noted that they need to provide guidance on how media should deal with ethical issues related to the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), convergence, and the need for new journalism curricula and training models.

Delegates highlighted the risks of social media being treated as a news source by the public, although this environment lacks effective quality standards and ethics, and where trustworthy content and journalism are increasingly hard to find.

The media councils recognised the importance of exploring new financial support models for the media, in order to promote, support and sustain journalism and the related independent self-regulation mechanisms in the industry.

The councils urged journalists, photographers and other media practitioners to uphold the basic tenets of journalism in order to fend off state regulation and punitive measures by those in positions of power.

They also commented on developments in Zambia and welcomed the commitment by the Zambian government to encourage media self-regulation as opposed to state regulation. They urged other countries to repeal repressive laws and policies gagging the media and ensure and promote media freedom.

In the case of Eswatini, where the government has warned that it may consider statutory regulation, delegates urged stakeholders to vigorously pursue a path towards self-regulation.

Delegates from UNESCO also participated in the meeting and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to support and collaborate with African media councils in advocating for freedom of expression, universal access to verified information and safety of journalists and media professionals in line with regional and internationally agreed goals and frameworks.

NIMCA will initially be led by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), which also chairs the East Africa Press Council, represented by MCT executive secretary Ernest Sungura; together with representatives from the host of the inaugural meeting, Latiefa Mobara, executive director of the Press Council of South Africa; from West Africa George Sarpong, executive secretary/CEO of the National Media Commission in Ghana; and from Southern Africa Kennedy Mambwe, chairperson of the Media Self-Regulatory Council of Zambia. They will form the inaugural executive board of NIMCA to set up the organisation.

The MCT will host the 2025 NIMCA meeting, with support from UNESCO and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, and will also act as the initial secretariat for NIMCA.

Sungura, the first NIMCA chair, said, “This is an important day for our media sector and eco-system. For too long our media councils have operated in silos with little engagement or information sharing. In a world that is increasingly connected, but also fracturing into echo chambers, NIMCA heralds a new era for building common approaches, deepening media freedom, foster stronger accountability systems and support credible, sustainable journalism across our continent.”

Participants from the following independent media regulatory bodies, some statutory and others non-statutory, participated in the inaugural meeting:

East Africa
Media Council of Tanzania
Media Council of Kenya
Media Council of Uganda
Rwanda Media Commission
Ethiopia Media Council
West Africa
National Media Commission, Ghana
Nigerian Press Council
Southern Africa
Namibia Media Ombudsman
Media Council of Malawi
Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Media Commission
Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia
Press Council of South Africa

ENDS

Note to editors:
Issued by the newly formed Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) after its inaugural meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.
For interviews, please contact:

Please find the link to the media release here.

Diversity and Ethics (2)

SANEF is Disappointed by Media24’s Refusal to Release the Report Into Alleged Ethical Breaches at City Press Newspaper

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While the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) noted the conclusion of an investigation into alleged ethical breaches at City Press newspaper, we are disappointed by Media24’s failure to officially release the report into its probe.

When the claims first surfaced, SANEF had released a media statement saying: “We are encouraged by (Media 24 CEO, Ishmet) Davidson’s avowed commitment to ensure a speedy investigation. SANEF further calls on the company (Media24) to be transparent about the outcome of the investigation once it is concluded.”

As an industry body with vested interests in the adherence to ethics, we believed it was necessary for the organisation to be transparent. We also needed to know the basis and the outcome of the investigation as was the case with other media houses who previously experienced similar challenges.

Unfortunately, Media24 only released a statement following the completion of the internal investigation without the report quoting its Chief Executive, Ishmet Davidson, saying “the outcome of the investigation, led by an independent team of a very senior editorial manager and a forensic investigator, do not warrant further action.”

The two reporters were cleared of any wrongdoing. One of the reporters was reinstated and another’s resignation letter was accepted.

SANEF was approached by the two reporters, appealing that the organisation intervenes to get Media 24 to release the report. The two reporters said they had also not been given the report, despite them having been the subjects of the investigation.

SANEF’s effort to appeal to the company to release the details were unfortunately unsuccessful. The company rejected our request to share the report – even to the two reporters who were initially implicated – saying that they were doing so to honour confidentiality and protect the privacy of its employees.

SANEF believes in the fundamental principle of transparency and that if the company will not publicly share the report, then at the very least the two colleagues deserve closure. They deserve the report.

About SANEF

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
  • 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

 

Diversity and Ethics (2)

SANEF Welcomes Investigations Into Alleged Breach of Editorial Codes by Two City Press Journalists

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 The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) notes with concern reports regarding the suspension of two City Press reporters over allegations that they breached editorial ethical codes and the Press Code.

City Press parent company, Media24 CEO Ishmet Davidson confirmed the suspensions and said the company had started a process to establish the veracity of the claims against the reporters. SANEF welcomes this investigation.

Should evidence of these editorial breaches be found, action should be taken without fear or favour. Claims of this nature are potentially damaging not only to affected persons but to the industry as a whole.

For all of us in the media, journalistic integrity is paramount as it sits at the heart of the media’s contribution to building our democracy. Journalists are crusaders for accountability. It therefore follows that they too should be subject to the same accountability that they demand of those who exercise power in society.

Earlier this year, SANEF released a report that looked extensively at ethical breaches in South African newsrooms. The report also made numerous and helpful suggestions on how to curb unethical conduct.

We are encouraged by Davidson’s avowed commitment to ensure a speedy investigation. SANEF further calls on the company to be transparent about the outcome of the investigation, once it is concluded.

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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Monica Laganparsad – Acting Secretary-General (082) 578-6111
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Acting Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • 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
Diversity and Ethics (2)

SANEF Notes Unfortunate Incidents at the Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted unfortunate incidents that took place today at the Pretoria High Court during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial as some journalists could be seen trying to corner a witness.

SANEF has always reiterated that journalists are not above the law and are also not beyond criticism. The journalists overstepped the line and as such, and we appreciate the apologies from the media houses involved. We also commend the journalists involved for apologising and recognising the error of their ways.

As much as the actions of the journalists were uncalled for, the immediate reaction to ban them from the court proceedings was also unfortunate as it meant most television viewers’ privilege of watching the live proceedings was taken away from them. This court case has huge public interest.

SANEF encourages journalists to familiarise themselves with court proceedings and how to behave when it comes to witnesses – more importantly the implications of their behaviour. SANEF has put together an exhaustive court manual that is meant to assist editors, news editors, and ultimately, journalists who cover court matters. Journalists can download the revised manual on Reporting the Courts here.

Our newsrooms must always be reminded that they have a duty to care about how they treat stories and the subjects of their reporting. SANEF will continue to invest in the training of journalists and encourages all court-reporting journalists to utilise the court manual.

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
  • 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
Diversity and Ethics (2)

SANEF Urges the SA Jewish Report to Reconsider Their Stance Regarding the Press Council Ruling

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) calls on the publishers of the SA Jewish Report to reconsider their position, following the publication’s expulsion from the Press Council of South Africa.

SANEF finds it unfortunate that the South African Jewish Report forced the hand of the Press Council of South Africa (PCSA) to take the unprecedented action of expelling the SAJR after the publication refused to abide by the rulings of the Acting Press Ombud and the PCSA Chair of Appeals, Judge Bernard Ngoepe.

The matter stemmed from a complaint by the SA BDS Coalition and GIWUSA v SA Jewish Report. According to Press Council Chair Judge Phillip Levinsohn, the decision was taken after lengthy correspondence and after the SA Jewish Report had refused to abide by the finding against them. Judge Levinsohn said the Council spent time seeking to resolve the issue. However, the SA Jewish Report refused to publish the ruling against them.

SANEF calls on all members of the PCSA to respect the Press Council and its rulings. The Press Council is the bulwark against interference in the media and any self-respecting media organisation should be a member of the Press Council.

The Press Council continues to adjudicate complaints by members of the public and their findings, regardless of how they affect any member, must be respected.

The work of the PCSA is important in strengthening our democracy and ensuring that freedom of speech is protected while the highest ethical standards are upheld by the media.

SANEF reiterates our support for the Press Council and wish to implore all members, who subscribe to the principles of the co-regulatory mechanism, to remain committed to the system which is regarded as one of the best in the world.

We note that the Press Council is a voluntary, co-regulatory, public-dominated body which, inter alia, mediates and hand down binding ruling in terms of the Press Code. It does that to ensure ethical, fair, journalism.

We also wish to remind those who join the PCSA that they inadvertently commit to being bound by, and to publish, rulings of the Press Ombud and the Press Council’s appeals bodies. It should also be noted that dissatisfied parties with Press Ombuds’ rulings have the right to take them on appeal to the Appeals Panel, headed by an eminent, retired Judge, and if they are still unhappy, that can take the process on judicial review.

It is our view that no member of the Press Council should simply refuse to publish rulings against them. Therefore, compliance by the council’s members is deemed essential for its sustainability and credibility. Hence, the idea of simply refusing to adhere to its rulings not only undermines the Press Council but is also unfair to the complainants.

We implore the publishers of the SA Jewish Report to reconsider their position and abide by the ruling and to return to the fold of the PCSA.

* The PCSA rulings are available at https://presscouncil.org.za/Ruling?page=1

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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Monica Laganparsad – Acting Secretary-General (082) 578-6111
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Acting Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • 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

 

Diversity and Ethics (2)

INMA’s Removal of the ‘Baby Trade’ Story Welcomed by SANEF

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) welcomes the removal of the “Baby Trade” story as a shortlisted piece from the International News Media Association (INMA) Global Media Awards.

The so-called docuseries, first published as a story by Pretoria News last June, was shortlisted in the category of “Best Use of Social Media”, a nomination SANEF strongly objected to.

Through correspondence to INMA, SANEF expressed its dissatisfaction with this problematic and flawed nomination. Until SANEF released its last statement, initial responses from INMA left a lot to be desired, as they did their bid to argue that the judges were “judging the quality of the social media campaign – not the story itself”.

We accept the latest statement which states: “Given the opportunity to review information from all parties related to the concerns raised, our international judges have reconsidered the entry, and it is no longer a finalist. We respect the jury’s decision,” stated Earl Wilkinson, INMA’s executive director.

We welcome this removal, and hope INMA will in the future attend better to shortlisted pieces, particularly those that threaten the trust in the media, and aim to work against ethical journalism as they purport disinformation through stories found to be a ‘hoax’ by their own internal ombudsman.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Monica Laganparsad – Acting Secretary-General (082) 578-6111
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Acting Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • 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

Diversity and Ethics (2)

SANEF Appalled at Shortlisting of the “Baby Trade” Story for the INMA Awards

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is appalled at the retention of a false report about the so-called birth of Decuplets in Gauteng as a shortlisted piece of journalism for the upcoming Global Media Awards.

This story – first published by Independent Media’s Pretoria News last year – is entered under the category, “Best Use of Social Media” in the International News Media Awards (INMA).

SANEF has written to the INMA to express its concern, but despite this – the video series remains one of the nominees. We also find it entirely unsatisfactory that in its response, the INMA says the judges were “judging the quality of the social media campaign – not the story itself”.

The INMA further went on to state it is “not in a position to reverse their jury’s decision to shortlist the social media campaign, given the information at their disposal during the judging process in February 2022, the additional context surrounding the story will be weighed in the ongoing process to select winners which will be announced by INMA in June 2022.”

This response is unfortunately not good enough for SANEF, as it legitimises a campaign borne out of a story that has been proven not only to be ludicrous, but also an embarrassment to South African journalism.

Unfortunately, the embarrassment continues as the same newspaper group, a paying member of INMA, continues to publish more stories that seek to purport the legitimacy of the decuplets’ so-called birth. It is important to note that the ten babies are still to be seen and no proof has ever been provided that they do in fact exist.

This report has no basis in truth, is factually inaccurate and contributes to the spread of disinformation, deliberately misleading audiences. It’s now public knowledge and widely accepted that the piece perpetuates disinformation and has been flagged for its total lack of verification, and deeply questionable ‘sources’.

The legitimacy of the entire so-called story has been called into question. As the June awards fast approach, we call on the INMA to reconsider its stance. The Decuplets report has been condemned by the Gauteng Provincial Government, and the medical fraternity at large … with all key role players distancing themselves from it.

It is not only fake, but also dangerous as it seriously sets back the advances made by the country in protecting women and children. Ethical journalism and building public trust are the cornerstones of good journalistic practices – yet this piece majestically fails at both.

We urgently call on the INMA, as a business associated with reputable publishers worldwide, to immediately remove the shortlisting of this piece from this category, further noting how Independent Media’s own internal ombudsman, in a ruling dated 5 July 2021, flagged the initial story as having ‘failed to pass the basic principles of journalism’ and amounted to a ‘hoax.’

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Monica Laganparsad – Acting Secretary-General (082) 578-6111
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Acting Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • 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

Access to Information & Regulatory

SANEF and CFE Fight SABC’s Bid to Hold Magopeni’s Disciplinary Action Behind Closed Doors

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and the Campaign for Free Expression (CFE) are taking action to ensure that the SABC’s disciplinary action against Phathiswa Magopeni, the public broadcaster’s head of news, takes place openly and transparently.

Sbu Ngalwa, the chairperson of SANEF, said: “An open and transparent process will not only assist the public to make up its mind on the case, but it will also aid the SABC to dispel the perception that the process is part of a political witch-hunt.

“SANEF reiterates its respect for the SABC’s internal processes and being able to hold staff accountable – hence we are not calling for the disciplinary action to be abandoned but rather for it to be open to the public as the issues at hand are a matter of great public interest,” said Ngalwa.

The CFE’s executive director Anton Harber, CFE said: “Too much is at stake for this to happen behind closed doors. Ms Magopeni has said that she is being hounded out because she has resisted political interference. We need the public to see if this is a return to the days when factional politics dominated the SABC and buried its public service mandate”.

Lawyers for SANEF and CFE have written to the chair of the hearing, Advocate Nazeer Cassim, to ask that the media be allowed to attend the proceedings. Cassim has asked the SANEF and CFE legal team to argue the case for openness when the hearing begins on December 17. The SABC has already refused a SANEF request to open the hearings, so they are expected to oppose it.

“The SABC is no ordinary employer,” SANEF and CFE argued. “The public broadcaster plays a unique role in South Africa’s deliberative democracy, which it can either foster or undermine … Ms Magopeni’s grievance … squarely impugns the SABC’s impartiality and independence.

“Whether she indeed acted negligently in breaching a court order is a matter of public interest,” the two organisations said.

Magopeni has been charged with negligence and bringing the SABC into disrepute after the broadcaster ran an episode of its investigative programme Special Assignment in contravention of a court order.

In a formal grievance, Magopeni argued that she is being held to account for a decision that was not hers, as it was made four levels below her.

She alleges she is being targeted because she resisted attempts by the SABC chair and Group CEO to force her to carry an unscheduled interview with President Cyril Ramaphosa during the recent local government election campaign.

The action against Magopeni came just days after Fikile Mbalula, the ANC’s head of elections, blamed the SABC for his party’s election performance and pointed a finger at Magopeni personally.

The SABC has been on the right course to restore its public service values and to reverse the damage caused by years of political interference and manipulation. As a society we must be vigilant to prevent this from happening again.

*SANEF is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists and journalism trainers from all areas of the South African media. SANEF is committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics and diversity in the South African media.

*CFE is a non-profit body dedicated to defending and expanding the right to free expression for all in southern Africa.

Contacts:

  • For CFE: Anton Harber, 0833039497, [email protected]
  • For SANEF: Sbu Ngalwa, 0734041415
  • Adriaan Basson, 082 562 2113

 

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

Diversity and Ethics (2)

SANEF Calls for Transparency and a Fair Process on the SABC’s Disciplinary Process Against Its Editor-in-chief

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On 27 November 2021, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has learnt of the SABC’s decision to bring disciplinary action against its head of news Phathiswa Magopeni for alleged negligence and bringing the public broadcaster into disrepute.

These developments come on the back of political pressure and attacks on Magopeni – from the ANC, who accuse her of being the cause of the governing party’s poor electoral performance in the recent Local Government Elections.

While we are not saying that those two issues are related, however, the timing raises eyebrows and suspicions of a possible politically motivated witch-hunt.

The SABC has the responsibility to investigate the violation of a court order after an episode of the investigative programme Special Assignment was aired, six weeks after the court ordered that it should not be broadcast.

The media is not above the law, and court decisions must be respected. Any responsible company would do that.

We understand that the public broadcaster was interdicted on 14 September by the North Gauteng High Court from airing and/or broadcasting and/or publishing a Special Assignment investigative report exposing alleged anti-competitive conduct in the towing industry. While the interdict was still in force, the episode was broadcast a month and a half later, in breach of the court order. The public broadcaster is facing a contempt of court order and possible imprisonment of those who took the decision

SANEF does not condone the breach of the court interdict and always advocates for respect for the court processes in this country.

That is why we are calling for openness in the handling of the matter. Given that the waters have been muddied by the blatant political attacks on Magopeni and the SABC, over their coverage of the 1 November elections, we call on the SABC management to make Magopeni’s hearing public, in the interests of transparency. This will assist to dispel any perception that the process is a witch-hunt aimed at achieving political ends.

Magopeni has been the subject of personal attacks from some ANC leaders, including the recent criticism by Transport minister and ANC’s head of elections Fikile Mbalula.

The SABC is too important to fail or to find itself dragged back to the dark days of political control and manipulation.

It is only fair that the SABC management demonstrates to all South Africans that their actions are motivated by nothing other than the need to ensure that the good name of the public broadcaster is not dragged through the mud.

We will keenly follow this case to its natural conclusion.

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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • 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

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