Chris Nissen SAHRC Chairperson: Pic; Malherbe Nienaber/Netwerk24
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for stronger collaboration between the Commission and the media, emphasising their shared responsibility in protecting the public and monitoring the government.
“We stand together with the media,” Chris Nissen, SAHRC Chairperson, stated at the annual meeting between the SAHRC and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) on February 24, 2005. “The media plays a critical role in alerting the SAHRC to incidents that fall within our mandate to monitor, investigate, or promote as part of our human rights obligations.”
He highlighted the media’s essential function in disseminating information and knowledge to the public, enabling informed decision-making. He further underscored the Commission’s appreciation for its relationship with the media.
Nissen proposed that engagement between the SAHRC and the media should extend beyond formal meetings to include collaborative activities such as annual lectures, workshops, and seminars.
“We live in a country facing three significant challenges: inequality, poverty, and unemployment. As the Human Rights Commission, our concerns are closely tied to the socio-economic crisis. We urge the media to engage with us as partners while also supporting our broader mission to build a better South Africa. Together, we can uphold human rights and responsibilities.”
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the independence of both institutions while exploring opportunities for cooperation.
“We can collaborate on various programs while respecting each other’s independence. You are independent. We are independent. But we can work together even when our opinions differ,” he said.
During the meeting, SAHRC commissioners shared details about their respective portfolios and the provinces where they are stationed. SANEF, in turn, outlined its 2025 program of action, highlighting plans for voter education training for journalists ahead of the 2026 local government elections. This initiative aims to equip journalists with the knowledge they need to inform the public effectively.
The commissioners expressed their gratitude to the media for its accurate and fair reporting on the Commission’s investigative inquiries in Mpumalanga and the Free State. They also commended the media’s balanced coverage of discussions between the Commission and various government ministers, including those responsible for Water and Sanitation, Cooperative Governance, and engagements with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation.
The Commission acknowledged that media coverage had significantly enhanced its visibility and reach within communities, ensuring broader awareness of its work.
SANEF used the opportunity to raise concerns about the challenges journalists face, particularly cyberbullying and harassment, with female journalists often being targeted. The organisation also highlighted the intimidation — both direct and indirect — that journalists endure, especially during political campaign seasons.
The SAHRC acknowledged these concerns, noting the increasing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) to intimidate journalists and suppress legitimate reporting.
“It is troubling that legal mechanisms are being misused to hinder investigative journalism,” Nissen remarked. “Such tactics falsely portray journalism as harassment to silence critical reporting.”
He revealed that the Commission had discussed this issue at its recent Senate meeting and committed to supporting the media fraternity. The SAHRC pledged to issue statements in defense of journalists facing harassment and expressed interest in tackling misinformation and disinformation, another key area of concern for the media.
Additionally, the Commission committed to continuing its visits to newsrooms, fostering open discussions with journalists and editors in their work environments to better understand their challenges and concerns.
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.
Media Milestone Against Big Tech’s Unfair Competition
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against unfair competition from big tech firms. The organisation has welcomed the provisional findings and remedies released by the Competition Commission Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI).
This development marks a crucial step in addressing the challenges faced by the South African media landscape, which has been severely impacted by the rise of digital platforms and social media over the past two decades.
The inquiry was a landmark investigation into the impact of major technology companies on the country’s media industry. The report has validated longstanding concerns that tech giants such as Google, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter) have undermined South African journalism, depriving media houses of much-needed revenue and contributing to widespread job losses in the industry.
This inquiry, which has drawn international attention, follows similar battles in countries such as Canada and Australia, where governments have pushed for financial restitution from Big Tech to support their national news industries.
The commission’s findings offer a glimmer of hope for South African media houses, which have seen their advertising revenues gutted over the last two decades due to the dominance of digital platforms. However, the battle is far from over, as initial reactions from tech firms indicate they are unlikely to comply without resistance.
With AI-driven search and social platforms reshaping how people find news and information, how can media organisations stay visible and valued? Is this a turning point for journalism or just another difficult chapter? And what changes will help newsrooms maintain their essential role in their communities and remain sustainable?
The MDPMI’s findings paint a stark picture of how Big Tech’s dominance has affected the local media landscape. Over the past two decades, the number of journalists in South Africa has been cut in half, leaving newsrooms understaffed and overburdened. Community media outlets, which play a crucial role in ensuring media plurality and accessibility, have been hit the hardest, with many shutting down due to financial constraints.
Sanef and other media advocacy groups have long argued that digital platforms have built their business models on the content produced by news organisations without offering fair compensation.
While tech companies claim they provide value by directing traffic to news websites, the commission’s report found that this is far from sufficient to offset the damage they have caused. Google, for instance, is estimated to generate between R800 million and R900 million annually from news-related searches, while local media only sees about R200 million in referral benefits.
The issue extends beyond financial losses. The rise of social media and algorithm-driven content curation has also facilitated the spread of misinformation and cyberbullying, further weakening the credibility of traditional news sources. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which aggregate and summarise news content without permission, threaten to erode media revenue even further by reducing the need for audiences to visit news websites.
Proposed Remedies and Challenges Ahead
One of the key recommendations in the report is that Google should contribute between R300 million and R500 million per year into a Journalism Sustainability Fund over the next three to five years. Sanef, while acknowledging this as a step in the right direction, argues that this amount is too conservative given the scale of damage inflicted on the industry. Furthermore, the report suggests that YouTube should increase its revenue share for local media and that Meta should adjust its algorithm to prioritise South African news sources.
Beyond direct compensation, the commission has proposed regulatory measures to address digital advertising monopolies and AI content scraping. These include imposing levies on tech companies that fail to adequately compensate media outlets, as well as creating mechanisms to allow publishers to opt out of AI-driven content use without losing search engine visibility.
However, it remains uncertain whether these measures will be implemented effectively. Google has already signaled resistance, with spokesperson Ekaterina Kondratieva dismissing claims that the company disproportionately benefits from news content. If past experiences in other countries are any indication, tech firms may threaten to block South African news content altogether rather than comply with new regulations.
A Turning Point for Media Freedom and Democracy
The MDPMI report is not just about financial compensation—it is about preserving South Africa’s democratic institutions. The Competition Commission has made it clear that a thriving, independent media is fundamental to upholding the country’s constitutional right to information. Without adequate funding, journalism will continue to decline, leaving citizens vulnerable to misinformation and weakening the country’s democratic foundations.
Media experts warn that if Big Tech remains unchecked, the consequences will be dire. The decline of journalism has already led to increased juniorisation of newsrooms, fewer investigative reports, and a heavier reliance on syndicated content, all of which undermine the role of the press as a watchdog. If the government fails to enforce meaningful regulations, South Africa risks falling into a media crisis where high-quality news becomes a luxury rather than a public good.
The Road Ahead: What Comes Next?
Stakeholders, including Sanef, have been given four months to engage with the findings and make further submissions before the final report is released later this year. The outcome of this process will determine whether South Africa can set a precedent for other countries facing similar battles with Big Tech, or if it will succumb to the same fate as news industries that have failed to secure fair remuneration.
For now, Sanef remains cautiously optimistic but resolute. The organisation is calling on all media stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society groups to rally behind the report’s recommendations and push for stronger enforcement mechanisms. The fight for media sustainability is far from over, but with coordinated effort and political will, South Africa has a chance to reclaim control over its news industry and safeguard press freedom for future generations.
The Free Expression Legal Network: A New Era for Media Freedom
Judge Navi Pillay addresses the launch of the Free Expression Legal Network in Sandton.
In a landmark initiative to defend media freedom and uphold free expression, the Free Expression Legal Network was officially launched in Johannesburg on February 18, 2025, to fortify legal protections for those who risk their lives and careers to bring truth to the public.
Public Protector advocate Kholeka Gcaleka flanked by Sanef chairperson Nwabisa Makunga, deputy chair Tshamano Makhadi. Back row: Reggy Moalusi, Glenda Daniels, Sbun Ngalwa, Hopewell Radebe
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) congratulates its chairperson Nwabisa Makunga on her recent appointment as the Managing Director for News and Media at Arena Holdings.
Sanef believes that Nwabisa’s promotion bodes well for the future of the media in this country. Not only is Nwabisa an advocate for media freedom, but she is also a champion for the sustainability of the media in South Africa.
As a result of her new role, Nwabisa will relinquish her chairpersonship of Sanef to focus on her new role. While Sanef is sad to see Nwabisa go, but the organisation is comforted by the knowledge that Nwabisa will continue to be an ally – advancing the course of media sustainability and media freedom within the top management at Arena.
Makunga previous served as Sanef’s treasurer-general and deputy chairperson, demonstrating her unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership. She will officially handover to a new chairperson, who will be elected at the Sanef Council meeting in Cape Town, in February 2025
At the time of her promotion, Nwabisa – working with Sanef’s Managing Committee (Mancom) – was leading Sanef’s efforts to futureproof the news media and ensure that it survives the unpredictable and challenging times that we are facing as an industry. This work will continue under the direction of the Mancom.
Reflecting on her resignation, Makunga said: “I am stepping down as the chairperson, it is the right thing to do considering the scope and nature of my new responsibility. I continue to support the work of Sanef and believe the organisation has capable leaders to take the baton and continue the work to deliver its mandate. While I look forward to the new adventure at Arena Holdings, it is bittersweet to leave Sanef, especially at a time when we are on the cusp of launching the Journalism Sustainability Fund, a pioneering project I have been privileged to lead.”
At its meeting held on Saturday, 16 November 2024, the SANEF Council congratulated and wished Nwabisa well in her new role.
The same Council meeting was earlier addressed by Public Protector advocate Kholeka Gcaleka who unpacked the work done by her office in the past year and als0 highlighted the challenges facing her office.
Gcaleka reiterated her commitment to accountability and transparency as vital for restoring public trust in governance. She noted the media’s role in raising public awareness and mentioned ongoing digitisation efforts in her office that are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing case backlogs.
She provided updates on various investigations, including the case of a primary school regarding water quality issues in the Eastern Cape, while also addressing gender-based violence and food contamination in schools.
She reported a 90% delivery rate for the Public Protector’s office and plans to launch a self-service portal for tracking complaints. She advocated for legislative clarity regarding the distinction between the public protector as an individual and as an institution, and she emphasised the need for emotional well-being among team members.
She also called for reforms to the Promotion of Access to Information Act to enhance transparency and accessibility, particularly for non-English speakers, and expressed gratitude for the support received from various organisations including Sanef.
Arrest, intimidation of journalists in Mozambique.
The council reflected on issues of media freedom following the Mozambican authorities’ detention of two journalists who were covering the unrests in that country.
The council strongly condemns the Mozambican authorities for the intimidation, harassment, and unjust detention of journalists, including South African reporters Bongani Siziba and Sbonelo Mkhasibe from News Central TV, along with Mozambican journalist Charles Mangwiro. Their arbitrary arrest while reporting on anti-government protests in Maputo is a flagrant violation of international protocols protecting press freedom.
Journalists play a vital role in promoting accountability and transparency. Mozambique, as a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and a signatory to the African Union’s freedom of the media protocols, has a duty to uphold these values. The detention of these journalists, compounded by reports of their mistreatment, including being blindfolded during their arrest, is a grave affront to media freedom and human rights.
While Sanef acknowledges the eventual release of Siziba and Mkhasibe, we remain deeply concerned about the pattern of escalating attacks on journalists in Mozambique. The assault on Rádio e Televisão Encontro journalists César Rafael and Valdemiro Amisse in Nampula, and the expulsion of two Portuguese journalists earlier this month under dubious pretenses, highlight a worrying trend. Such actions undermine the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN’s principles on the protection of journalists.
We are further alarmed by the ongoing digital repression in Mozambique, including social media and mobile internet shutdowns. These measures not only restrict press freedom but also disrupt the operations of online publications across the SADC region, stifling the flow of information vital for informed public discourse.
Sanef echoes the demands of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) for a full and transparent explanation of the journalists’ detention and immediate accountability from Mozambican authorities. Journalism is not a crime, and the work of journalists must not be hindered through intimidation or violence.
We urge Mozambique to reaffirm its commitment to protecting press freedom, ensuring the safety of journalists, and halting its regressive trajectory. Sanef calls on SADC member states, the African Union, and international bodies to hold Mozambique accountable and to advocate for the protection of journalists and the safeguarding of freedom of expression across the region.
On the plight of freelance journalism in the country.
Despite the profound transformations in media labour, Sanef noted that there is limited research on the state and working conditions of freelance journalists. In response, Sanef collaborated with the Henry Nxumalo Foundation (HNF) and commissioned a study to better understand the current state of freelance journalism in South Africa.
The Council received a research report on the plight of freelance journalism. The report outlined the challenges and opportunities of freelance journalism in the country, stating that freelance journalism has become increasingly prominent in the media industry, especially in South Africa. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which normalised remote work. However, long before the pandemic, freelance journalism was already being driven by a media crisis marked by declining revenue, reduced advertising income, and significant job losses. It noted that this crisis forced many skilled journalists and media professionals into freelancing.
The report stated that their working conditions were difficult, and compensation was appalling and inadequate. With many journalists entering the freelance space, the freelance market was also becoming highly competitive while freelance journalists juggled multiple jobs, doing self-promotion, administrative work, and budget planning on top of their primary work of being a journalist.
It also found that many freelancers feel that media houses do not adequately address their needs, such as timely payments, compensation for extra expenses, and inclusion in journalism events and newsroom meetings. This lack of professional attention has led to apathy among freelancers, negatively affecting overall professionalism.
Sanef has undertaken to establish guidelines for newsrooms regarding professional relations with freelancers. It undertook to work with freelancers’ organisations to improve their plight. Furthermore, related matters raised by the research report will be subject for discussion at the next council meeting in February.
Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry
The council also deliberated on the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry and noted that the Competition Commission has delayed the release of its provisional market inquiry report on Media and Digital Platforms to 29 November.
Sanef is monitoring the situation and hoping the report will give a strong indication of how the Commission views the alleged anti-competitive conduct of digital platforms, including AI, and the financial impact this conduct has had on the news media and journalism. Sanef will continue to work with partner organisation to highlight the adverse and anti-competitive impact brought about by the high-tech industries and to propose alternative solutions to deal with the impact and the conditions of market failure.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. Sanef is not a union.
The South African National Editors’ Forum joins the world in the call for the ending of impunity for crimes against journalists ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on Monday 4 November 2024.
With the rise of conflicts and other crises, crimes against journalists are one of the most important and complex challenges of recent times.
António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, said in his message on Saturday, 2 November 2024, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, that the UN reaffirms its commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.
“A free press is fundamental to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Yet journalists around the world are prevented from doing their job and often face threats, violence, and even death in their mission to bring truth to light and hold the powerful to account.”
Guterres said in recent years, the world has seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones – in particular in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in any war in decades.
“Worldwide, an estimated 9 out of 10 journalist murders go unpunished. Impunity breeds further violence. This must change,” he said as he emphasised calls for respecting and protecting journalists, media professionals and associated personnel working in situations of armed conflict.
“I call on governments to bring these commitments to life by taking urgent steps to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them, and prosecute perpetrators – everywhere. Together, let’s end the cycle of violence, uphold freedom of expression, and ensure that journalists can carry out their essential work safely and without fear – everywhere,” Guterres said.
Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies
UNESCO’s monitoring in 2023 recorded that more than 50% of journalist killings occurred in crisis- and conflict zones, with continuously high numbers in the first half of 2024.
Many journalists, media professionals, and associated media personnel exercise their duties in highly dangerous contexts. Too many pay an unacceptably high price, including death, enforced disappearance, torture, unlawful detention, and kidnapping, for producing independent, reliable, and verifiable information.
According to UNESCO, these tragedies are only the tip of the iceberg. Media infrastructure is often damaged or destroyed, and journalists face physical attacks, detention, equipment confiscation or denial of access to reporting sites. Many are forced to flee or cease work, risking turning conflict areas into “zones of silence”.
Whether reporting on conflict, humanitarian disasters, climate or health crises, UNESCO noted that journalists continue to face disproportionate threats and higher levels of impunity for extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, as well as intimidation and harassment, both offline and online.
Latin America and the Caribbean continues to be the region with the highest number of murders of journalists, according to the 2022 UNESCO Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity.
Since 1993, more than 1,700 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and bringing information to the public. Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems.
While killings are the most extreme form of media censorship, journalists are also subjected to countless threats – ranging from kidnapping, torture and other physical attacks to harassment, particularly in the digital sphere. Threats of violence and attacks against journalists, in particular, create a climate of fear for media professionals, impeding the free circulation of information, opinions and ideas for all citizens.
Women journalists are particularly impacted by threats and attacks, notably by those made online. According to UNESCO’s discussion paper, The Chilling: Global trends in online violence against women journalists, 73 percent of the women journalists surveyed said they had been threatened, intimidated and insulted online in connection with their work.
In many cases, threats of violence and attacks against journalists are not properly investigated. This impunity emboldens the perpetrators of the crimes and at the same time has a chilling effect on society, including journalists themselves.
The South African National Editors’ Forum held its annual gala dinner last night where guest speaker Judge President of the Supreme Court of Appeal Mahube Molemela affirmed the right of journalists to report freely while ensuring they practice their craft responsibly.
The event held at The Venue, Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, commemorated the 47th anniversary of “Black Wednesday.”
This year’s event carried profound significance as South Africa marks thirty years of democracy and media freedom under the theme: “30 Years of Democracy: A Journey of Freedom and the Unyielding Power of Media in South Africa.”
Justice Molemela delivered a poignant tribute to the resilience of journalists and activists during the apartheid era. She recalled the sacrifices of individuals like Donald Woods and Steve Biko, who risked their safety and their lives, in pursuit of truth. “At that time, media freedom was a dream,” Molemela stated.
Today, she noted, freedom of expression is enshrined in the Constitution and fiercely protected. “We now have an environment that balances the rights of journalists to report accurately while ensuring that their reporting is free from distortion and exaggeration. Journalists are expected to give all sides of the story a fair hearing, according to the dictates of ethical journalism,” Molemela asserted, referring to this practice as “a sacred principle.”
However, Molemela cautioned that contemporary challenges persist. “We now face the social media terror of misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, and threats against those who speak up,” she said. She underscored the dangers posed by the overwhelming data available online, which can lead to vulnerabilities regarding privacy and the spread of false information. “Misinformation and disinformation are disseminated so easily that despite our Constitutional safeguards, we can still fall prey to the snares of propagandists seeking to undermine the Bill of Rights, which represents the fruits of our hard-won democracy,” she warned. Click here to access her speech.
Master of Ceremonies Cathy Mohlahlana opened the evening by highlighting the theme’s relevance, encapsulating South Africa’s journey over the past three decades. She emphasised the strides made in democracy and the essential role media freedom continues to play in shaping the nation’s narrative, promoting transparency, and upholding democratic principles. “This milestone is worthy of celebration,” Mohlahlana remarked, “marking our progress in safeguarding freedom of expression and promoting journalistic integrity in our nation.”
The evening was a time to reflect on the historical significance of “Black Wednesday,” a dark chapter in South Africa’s history. On 19 October 1977, apartheid-era Justice Minister Jimmy Kruger outlawed more than eighteen organisations, including the Union of Black Journalists and three newspapers: The World, Weekend World, edited by Percy Qoboza, and Pro Veritate. Many journalists and black consciousness leaders were detained and banned in an attempt to silence those exposing the regime’s atrocities.
Nwabisa Makunga, SANEF Chairperson, reiterated the importance of the event as a platform to honour the work of journalism, under increasingly difficult circumstances.
She emphasised the ongoing need for support to sustain SANEF’s mission of promoting media freedom in South Africa.
In her remarks, Makunga expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their crucial role in SANEF’s work to promote public interest journalism and broaden access to information to ensure people are able to make informed decisions about their society.
“Journalism needs to get three important things right,” she asserted. “We must develop the right skills to respond to the information needs of our society, promote access to information more broadly, and fight to remain sustainable.”
She acknowledged that much more must be done to empower newsrooms and individual media practitioners to perform their work accurately and fairly, helping society make sense of the world. “SANEF recognises that it is essential to foster depth and nuance in journalism,” Makunga added.
Sydney Mbhele, Absa Group Chief Marketing & Corporate Affairs Officer, highlighted the indispensable role of media in shaping society. “Democracy and media freedom are inextricably linked,” he stated. “For our democracy to flourish, protecting the freedom of the press is essential.”
Mbhele continued to honour the sacrifices of those committed to truth and accountability. “Their work informs and empowers us, equipping society with the knowledge to challenge injustice and hold power to account,” he emphasised. “Beyond just delivering information, the media acts as a beacon of transparency, a guardian of public discourse, and a catalyst for change, driving progress across political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.”
The evening culminated in a shared commitment among attendees to uphold and protect the freedoms that have been fought for and won over the past thirty years, reinforcing the media’s critical role in sustaining democracy in South Africa.
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.
SABC board member, Phathiswa Magopeni, Centre for Creative Arts director, Dr. Ismail Mohamed, and Webber Wentzel’s media lawyer, Dario Milo, moderated by CfE’s director, Anton Harber. Pic: MMA
Johannesburg – The 2024 edition of the Media Freedom Festival, which concluded on Thursday, 17 October 2024, addressed key challenges facing journalism, including threats to media freedom, the mental health of journalists, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on media sustainability.
This annual event is held in honour of Black Wednesday (19 October 1977), the pivotal day in South Africa’s history when the apartheid regime launched a clampdown on political and media organisations. The World and Weekend World, two anti-apartheid newspapers, were among the publications banned, and the editor, Percy Qoboza, and other journalists, were detained.
This year, the Media Freedom Festival was jointly organised with organisations committed to media freedom, including the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef), the Press Council, Campaign for Freedom of Expression (CfE), SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS), the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the Association for Independent Publishers (AIP), the SABC, and international partners, including the Goethe-Institut and the German Embassy.
Under the theme “Media for Democracy: Ensuring Access, Accountability, and Integrity,” the event began with a presentation by the CfE on the 2024 State of Free Expression in South Africa report, titled A Need for Vigilance. The report highlighted key issues like gender-based attacks on journalists and the use of the courts to silence them. A panel discussion followed, featuring SABC board member and Sanef’s sub-committee chairperson on education and training, Phathiswa Magopeni, Centre for Creative Arts Director Dr. Ismail Mohamed, and Webber Wentzel’s media law expert Dario Milo, moderated by CfE’s director, Anton Harber. They discussed critical challenges such as SLAPP lawsuits, threats to free expression, journalistic independence, and media sustainability. Magopeni noted that job insecurity for journalists is like a “new jail,” pushing them to avoid questioning critical issues to protect their jobs.
The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring Newzroom Afrika anchor, Naledi Moleo, Bianca Dormuth, from the German Embassy, Sanef’s Treasurer-General and EWN Editor-at-Large, Sbu Ngalwa, MMA’s director William Bird, and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong. The panel explored issues related to journalists’ safety, independent media, investment, and the Media Freedom Coalition.
Morolong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, emphasising that “the media is the lifeblood of a thriving democracy.” He also stressed the importance of government support for the Media Freedom Coalition. The panel shared his views, with Bird advocating for a clear action plan to address threats to media freedom.
The second day of the festival featured a discussion on “Elections and the Way Forward: Ethical Reporting in the Age of Online Harms.” The panel included Independent Electoral Commission’s chief electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, SABC News Digital Audiovisual Head, Angie Kapelianis, and MMA’s Thandi Smith. Smith presented the Media Performance Review for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, emphasising the importance of ongoing election coverage and the need to protect journalists during this period.
She also expressed concern over the rising reports of disinformation, with platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and WhatsApp being the top sources of complaints. Mamabolo reaffirmed the IEC’s commitment to ensuring reliable and fair elections, underlining their dedication to upholding democratic values.
At the festival, author and journalist Qaanitah Hunter shared insights into the mental health challenges journalists face, highlighting the traumas they experience in the field. She specifically addressed the issue of social media harassment targeting women journalists, criticising the normalisation of cyberbullying, and calling for more dialogue around promoting healthy social media practices.
The festival concluded with a panel discussion on building a sustainable media industry, focusing on the future of the SABC, community media, and other media organisations. Uyanda Siyotula, from SOS, expressed concern over the sustainability of public service media, pointing out the absence of a funding model in the SABC Bill as a significant issue. The panel emphasised the need for media organisations to adapt to changing economic and media environments.
Shirley Govender, from AIP, gave a sobering assessment of the challenges facing community media, warning that without proper funding and resources, some community outlets could shut down, leaving communities without vital access to information. She called for policy reforms and capacity-building efforts to ensure the survival of community newsrooms.
The 2024 Media Freedom Festival highlighted the essential role of journalists as defenders of democracy, issuing a strong call to tackle misinformation and address critical issues such as journalist safety and media sustainability.
Makhanda – The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) of Rhodes University, in partnership with the Eastern Cape office of the South African National Editors’ Forum, Sanef, are hosting a webinar on Friday, October 18 to officially launch the Makhanda Declaration — a bold call to revitalise journalism in South Africa.
The milestone event marking SA Media Freedom Day on October 19 is a historical commemoration of Black Wednesday in 1977 which saw the apartheid state’s banning and closing of the World and Sunday World and the imprisonment of several anti-apartheid journalists under the Internal Security Act.
The Makhanda Declaration revisits the commitment and purpose of the Windhoek Declaration of 1991 which was crafted by African journalists and media professionals 33 years ago to promote the importance of journalism on the continent.
The new declaration was drafted by journalists, academics and scholars to deliberate on current challenges facing South African communities of journalistic practice at a summit in Makhanda in April 2024.
Over three days, stakeholders identified strategies that must be pursued to ensure the future of journalism that contributes to the public good. The Declaration captures their shared commitment to supporting and strengthening journalism and provides concrete guidelines that can enable them to put this commitment into practice and compel other stakeholders to do the same.
Delegates of the Journalism Summit mandated a Steering Committee to refine the Makhanda Declaration, by sharing its content broadly with South African and African stakeholders in the future of journalism.
The Steering Committee has completed this process and developed 11 clear goals for the future of journalism including investing in journalism as a public good, ensuring news media are financially sustainable and ending attacks and killing of journalists, among others.
We invite all media professionals to engage in a crucial conversation about the industry.
A panel of seasoned journalists and editors will reflect on the principles in the Declaration and the realities facing today’s newsrooms.
The webinar, which is due to take place at the Africa Media Matrix Building between 11h00 and 13h00, is titled Renewing our Commitment to the Endurance and Success of Journalism.
It will be a hybrid session and will include a public reading of the Declaration and a panel discussion of its importance to the South African journalistic community.
The panel will include Cheri-Ann James (editor of the Daily Dispatch); Heather Robertson (editor of Daily Maverick 168) Zikhona Tshona (Freelance journalist and producer) and Provincial editor SABC News: Eastern Cape (acting) Jurie Blignaut.
Physical and virtual guests will include representatives from Eastern Cape academic institutions – WSU, Nelson Mandela, RU – and various media houses.
For more information, contact:
Rhodes University head of Journalism and Media Studies head: Jeanne du Toit – 083 573 9970
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The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring Newzroom Afrika anchor, Naledi Moleo, Bianca Dormuth, from the German Embassy, Sanef’s Treasurer-General and EWN Editor-at-Large, Sbu Ngalwa, MMA’s director William Bird, and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong. The panel explored issues related to journalists’ safety, independent media, investment, and the Media Freedom Coalition.
