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January 24 2024

Sanef holds a successful workshop on why disinformation destroys democracy

Access to Information & Media Policy, Media Freedom, News, Partners, Sustainability & Media Relief Fund

Mr Sy Mamabolo, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) at the IEC addresses the workshop; **photo by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu**

24 January 2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) held its first event of the year at its new offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg on 23 January 2024 in partnership with Media Monitoring Africa.

The workshop on elections, social media, and disinformation was attended by representatives of the IEC, Press Council, Africa Check, media academia, lawyers the Human Rights Commission, Digital Forensics Lab, journalists, and editors from different publications, including the SABC.

The aim of the workshop was for the media to be prepared for election misinformation, disinformation as well as intimidation and to identify information held by social media platforms that can assist in mitigating these risks.

According to a UNESCO/Ipsos survey done in 16 countries including South Africa, 91% of the respondents think that during election campaigns, social media platforms should take an active role in combatting disinformation and “fake news”; and 89% think that during election campaigns, the government and regulators should take an active role in combatting online disinformation and “fake news”.

The workshop was moderated by veteran SANEF member, Professor Guy Berger, who led a risk assessment exercise with the ultimate objective of holding big tech accountable and ensuring the media is free to operate and report freely and fairly.

The workshop agreed that a message needs to be sent to political parties who bully journalists and to big tech that civil society is watching them on social media for bullying narratives and for not taking down online hatred quickly.

Fact-checking organisations are crucially important currently – there are about 15 on the continent and Africa Check has offered to assist South African media to quickly check facts in this election period.

The workshop identified the following potential election-related online risks:

Silencing voices by intimidation
Attacks on journalists/Incitement via social media
Disinformation on elections
Manipulated media
Attacks on election integrity
Hacking of IEC pages/posts
Gendered bullying/threats of rape and murder of women journalists
Promoting distrust in the electoral process.

Some of the ideas discussed include getting media lawyers on standby to approach the electoral court as soon as a problem is reported by a journalist of intimidation, bullying, cyber-misogyny, and other conduct endangering freedom of media and freedom of expression.

SANEF also proposed that tech platforms use news produced by credible media to counter fake news on their platforms; and encouraged the Human Rights Commission to publicise their social media Charter to guide the public on the responsible use of social media and legal remedies when their rights are violated.

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
Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Acting Secretary-General 083) 229-9708
Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Heather Robertson – SANEF Acting Gauteng Convenor (083) 308 5618
Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

January 19 2024

SOS, MMA and Sanef request the withdrawal of the SABC Bill in their submission to the Committee

Access to Information & Media Policy, Media Freedom, News, Partners

19 January 2024

SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) collectively made a submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on 16 January 2024, expressing deep concerns regarding the SABC Bill. The organisations have pointed out a series of catastrophic and unconstitutional flaws with the Bill motivating for its withdrawal.

The first concern is the move to introduce the SABC Bill in Parliament before the finalisation of a much-needed policy update, in the form of the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audio Visual Media Services and Online Content Safety. Given that this process has been 20 years in the making, the organisations are concerned that the Bill is being rushed through with no proper scrutiny and due process, and in a policy vacuum given the many u-turns and other changes of policy proposals relevant to the SABC. The process is all the more alarming considering that the current iteration of the SABC Bill is very different from the Draft SABC Bill published for public notice and comment in July 2021. Moreover, the public has been deprived of an opportunity to comment on the new SABC Bill before it was introduced in Parliament.

SOS, MMA and SANEF believe that, given the financial crisis at the SABC, the Bill should at a minimum address the public broadcaster’s sustainability challenges with the required urgency. The current SABC Bill offers nothing to mitigate or address SABC’s dire financial status. Instead, it provides for the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) to take three years to develop a funding framework. Why wasn’t this done a decade ago? Rather than a solution this provision sets the SABC up for failure. The SABC requires a new funding model that will ensure that government contributes to the sustainability of the SABC for the benefit of the people of South Africa who depend on the SABC. The Bill also fails to aid the SABC in solving the unfunded public mandate crisis that besets it now.

We note that the PFMA and PPFA are not mentioned in the SABC Bill and certainly no amendments to these pieces of legislation are contained in the Schedule (Repeal and Amendment of Laws) to the Bill.

The Organisations are extremely concerned by the provision that subscriptions are envisaged as additional source of funding for the SABC. A “pay for content” model akin to that applicable to commercial subscription broadcasting services cannot be a model of public service content provision as it implies that the provision of services is limited to those able to afford them.

The Organisations are also profoundly concerned that the SABC Bill seeks to give new powers to the minister. Section 6 of the Bill is deeply problematic and at odds with the independence of the public broadcaster. The proposed provisions are certainly clearly at odds with the judgment of Matojane J in the SOS Case. The proposed additional powers of the Minister to dictate additional functions to the SABC and to remove Board members or take part in the Board appointment process (particularly that of the subsidiary company) is unconstitutional and makes the institution vulnerable to government and political interference.

In addition to offering no mechanism to help the SABC mitigate its current financial crisis the Bill seeks to replicate a model that has not worked, has been widely discredited, and that the DCDT own policy process has stated has not worked. It’s unfathomable how a proposed Bill from the same department can be so fundamentally at odds, not only with its own policy draft but opposed by the SABC and key stakeholders. The notion that a commercial division will cross-subsidize the public division has been a policy failure since inception. Instead of being abandoned it is expanded and replicated – like using a sieve to catch rainwater.

Like an unending infomercial, we note, “but wait there’s more”. The SABC Bill also seeks to go back in time and undermine the SABC editorial independence by making the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) the Editor in Chief of the SABC, again. Apart from these two roles requiring entirely different skills sets, this makes the public broadcaster prone to political and other forms of editorial interference.

In our submissions to the Committee, we note that both the Second Draft White Paper and the SABC Bill do not provide the promised research on international best practice on public broadcasting funding models and the digital transformation. This has greatly contributed to the SABC Bill’s regressive and illogical approach and its failure to acknowledge existing court judgements that protect and promote both the independence and good governance of the public broadcaster.

The organisations submit the SABC Bill should not be passed by the Committee. Rather, we recommend that the Committee requests the DCDT to withdraw the Bill and redraft it taking into consideration broad stakeholder input.

It is crucial that ahead of the upcoming elections and beyond, the public broadcaster’s editorial and institutional independence is safeguarded for the SABC to fulfil its role of deepening the country’s democracy.

Further, the organisations extend gratitude to Campaign for Free Expression (CFE), The South African Screen Federation (SASFED) and People’s Media Consortium (PMC) who have expressed their support and echo the sentiments of the submitting organisations.

For more information contact:

Uyanda Siyotula (SOS National Coordinator) – 060 691 2462
William Bird (MMA Director) – 082 887 1370
Reggy Moalusi (SANEF Executive Director) – 071 682 3695

December 28 2023

SANEF lambasts the continued imprisonment of freelance journalist, Thomo Nkgadima

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

28 December 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has learned that Limpopo-based freelance journalist, Thomo Nkgadima, continues to languish in prison after being arrested for taking pictures of a mayor’s house.

Sunday World has informed SANEF that on 24 December, Nkgadima was arrested on charges of trespassing and intimidation after he took pictures of the house of Eddie Maila, the mayor of Fetakgomo Tubatse municipality in Burgersfort, Limpopo.

Nkgadima took pictures of the house from the outside, in Praktiseer, where there are alleged illegal electrical connections, and the mayor’s house is in the said area.

After spending Christmas in jail, Nkgadima appeared in court on 27 December, where he was denied bail, despite facing Schedule 1 charges. Nkgadima and Sunday World are in consultation with legal representatives, who will hopefully help with his release.

SANEF is disappointed that such charges were brought forward, against a journalist who was doing his job and never trespassed on Maila’s property, nor intimidated anyone.

Editors at Sunday World have informed SANEF that Maila has previously threatened Nkgadima because the latter sought to do his work as a journalist. This is a worrying development that SANEF has always condemned. Our democracy requires that journalists be allowed to do their work without any inhibitions.

SANEF hopes the court will make a sensible decision in offering Nkgadima a fair hearing and, when the time arrives, fully hear his side of the story.

Note to Editors:

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) 682-369

November 20 2023

SANEF Decries the Heavy Loss of Forty-two Journalists and Media Workers in the War on Gaza

Media Freedom, News, Partners, Safety & Wellness

20 November 2023

This past Saturday the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) held a successful last council of 2023 in Johannesburg where pertinent media freedom and industry related issues were discussed – including the relentless Israeli war in Gaza where many journalists have been killed and injured.

As of November 18, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ’s) preliminary investigations showed at least 42 journalists and media workers were among the more than 13,000 killed in Gaza since the war began on October 7— with over 11,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and the West Bank and 1,200 deaths in Israel.

SANEF is deeply concerned at the ongoing carnage in Gaza and the fact that CPJ and Reporters Without Borders believe the Israeli military is deliberately targeting journalists who tell the true story of events in Gaza. Several media premises and working spaces have been targeted and destroyed.

SANEF also finds it unacceptable that aid convoys to the devastated region have been severely restricted and the Israeli government has refused entry to Gaza for international journalists and insists that only journalists covering the current actions of its army must be embedded with their military.

The role of journalists is to seek out as honestly as possible the facts and, in this regard, SANEF salutes the work done by our colleagues based in Gaza and by the United Nations and non-governmental workers who have reported on conditions as they have experienced them.

We also call on all journalists and editors, dealing with reports from this region, to be conscious always of the historical context and to take care of the terminology used in reports. It is not the role of journalists to justify, support or condemn any group or the actions groups undertake. Journalists should merely provide all the facts available and place all events in as full a context as possible.

Police Minister

The hybrid council meeting was addressed by Police Minister Bheki Cele who was accompanied by the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola and his deputy, General Shadrack Sibiya.

Minister Cele assured the gathering that the SAPS was ready to assist the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to conduct a peaceful, free, and fair elections in 2024.

“We have already seen the worst possible scenario in this country where we had to send the army to help maintain peace and ensure free and fair elections in KwaZulu Natal during the first two elections,” he said.

Cele said the recent developments in Gaza has made him feel for the safety of journalists in the region. It was therefore important for the SAPS to work closely with journalists and ensure that there was a good working relationship where everyone respected the working space of the other.

He said the SAPS was working to rebuild the specialised units that were systematically compromised or destroyed in previous years such as the intelligence structures. He appreciated the fact that 30 000 new recruits will beef up the number of boots on the ground. He further called on media houses to work on the challenges facing the industry, including the juniorisation of newsrooms which leads to inaccurate, unfair, and imbalanced reporting about SAPS matters.

Other Matters

The meeting also discussed various other issues that ranged from media freedom, media sustainability and legal challenges faced by the media.

Concerns were raised about the continued failure of President Cyril Ramaphosa to provide space for media engagement beyond the one-way national addresses that he has been giving over the past three years. Journalists felt that this has a detrimental impact on the state of media freedom and the media’s role to hold the executive to account. Further, it raises concerns about accountability, transparency, information flow, public engagement, and the international image of the country.

Journalists’ trip to Warsaw, Poland

The meeting also noted the disappointing lack of response from the Presidency to calls for an engagement with media houses about the Warsaw debacle – where several journalists who had travelled to Russia or Ukraine to cover the Africa Peace Mission, which President Ramaphosa was part of – were treated with disdain.

They could not cover any of those events as they were trapped inside a plane, upon landing in Warsaw, for over 24 hours. This is despite them having obtained visas to enter Poland. The Minister in the Presidency is yet to avail herself to address the matter. SANEF also notes that the Ambassador of Poland to South Africa, Adam Burakowski, has yet to honour the embassy’s commitment to meet with SANEF to discuss the unacceptable infringement on media freedom by his country.

Discussion with Business 4 South Africa

The council was also briefed on the Business-Government Partnership aimed at delivering meaningful progress towards South Africa’s economic growth. B4SA’s Martin Kingston and Cas Coovadia briefed the council about their role and the different workstreams tackling issues like energy, transport, logistics, as well as crime and corruption.

Kingston said business and government were exploring ways to identify areas of collaboration and also looking at existing programmes that can be significantly scaled in the short term to address the country’s priorities. The media needed to do its part in monitoring the developments and staying vigilant to ensure that it also held all parties accountable.

Independent Media titles apply to rejoin the Press Council

After seven years in the wilderness, SANEF Council noted that Independent Media has applied to rejoin the Press Council system. SANEF has repeatedly appealed to the leadership of the company to return to the country’s regulatory system. The media house opted out of the country’s print and online regulatory system in October 2016 and appointed its own in-house Ombudsman to administer and adjudicate on complaints laid against the content of its news titles. SANEF has previously expressed concerns that one of this country’s largest media companies was being a player and a referee in its adjudication of complaints against its publications. That said, we fully welcome the return of Independent Media into the fold of the Press Council.

Note to Editors:

For more information please contact:

Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
Prof Glenda Daniels – SANEF Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
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
Heather Robertson – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 3085618
Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
Asanda Ngoasheng – SANEF Western Cape Convenor (082) 610 9374
Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

November 14 2023

SANEF Calls for Better Treatment of Staff as Journalists Face Retrenchments

Media Freedom, News

14 November 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted with concern the new rounds of retrenchments at various media houses, leading to fewer journalists in newsrooms, and less diversity and plurality of voices in South Africa.

As the media, we take the role we play in our constitutional democracy seriously, hence the continued retrenchments of journalists should concern every citizen. At a primary level, journalists empower citizens with information to help them make decisions about their lives and hold those in power to account.

The spectre of retrenchments is not good news for the media industry, which will go on to affect the ability of the industry to carry out its journalistic work of being the eyes and ears of society.

While SANEF does acknowledge that retrenchments are sometimes inevitable – as media houses struggle to survive – we call on media house owners to treat journalists fairly and with respect during this process. Owners and management should act within the letter of the law in terms of retrenchment packages. When journalists, during retrenchments, are let go, they deserve to be offered remuneration that is due to them, – in line with the separation agreements accepted by all the affected parties.

SANEF continues, through initiatives such as the Community Media Digitisation project, to be invested in seeing long-term solutions for media sustainability. This project recognises that community media is also faced with various challenges, in a tough economic climate, hence it aims to empower them on how they can diversify their content distribution and revenue options, including digital platforms that can lead to growth.

As SANEF, we are also forging ahead with the plans to set up a Journalism Sustainability Fund.

As the media industry continues to bleed, and more strain is put on the quality of journalism, we should also equally worry about the mental wellness of our journalists.

It’s in this light that SANEF continues to partner with the SA Depression and Anxiety Group. Journalists seeking mental health support can email [email protected] or call 011 234 4837. Not only will their consultation be kept confidential, but they will also be attended by a professional who is well-versed on issues and pressures that affect the media industry.

Note to Editors:

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

November 1 2023

SANEF Condemns Assault and Horrible Treatment of Journalists

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

1 November 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) deplores the vicious assault of the Mpuma Kapa TV (MPKTV) news crew on Monday in the Eastern Cape.

The incident, which took place during their coverage of a story for the 6pm news bulletin at Airport Valley in Walmer, is concerning to SANEF.

The assault targeted MPKTV reporter, Jessica Bobo, and camera operator Sbu Maingo, who were fulfilling their professional duties in covering a story about the alleged hijacking of RDP houses.

As Maingo was diligently recording the incident, a group of individuals accused of the hijacking turned hostile, demanding the cessation of recording. Despite Maingo attempting to hand the camera over to the reporter, the group attacked him, forcibly throwing him against a fence, and inflicting injuries to his face, ribs, and neck.

Bobo, in an attempt to seek assistance, was also attacked by the group. Maingo is currently recovering at home, bearing bruises, and experiencing considerable discomfort from the assault.

This incident not only highlights the increasing dangers faced by journalists but also underscores the imperative nature of the relationship between communities and journalists. Journalists play a pivotal role in bringing crucial information to the public, and their safety and freedom in performing their duties must be safeguarded.

This incident, among others, not only signifies the rise in criminal acts against media professionals but also illustrates the distressing levels of disrespect towards journalists. SANEF is deeply concerned by the growing frequency of such criminality in our communities, an issue that requires urgent attention and action.

SANEF calls upon law enforcement authorities to investigate this appalling assault swiftly and thoroughly on the MPKTV news crew. Furthermore, we urge stronger measures to ensure the safety and protection of journalists as they conduct their vital role in keeping the public informed.

We stand in solidarity with the affected journalists and emphasize the importance of upholding press freedom and the safety of media practitioners in the pursuit of their duties.

On a separate matter – SANEF has disappointingly learnt of an unfortunate event where there was the unjustifiable expulsion of Ofhani Munyai, a respected sportswriter with FarPost Media and the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) Provincial Representative in Limpopo, from the media event held by Polokwane City, a Premier Soccer League (PSL) team, in Limpopo on Tuesday.

Munyai, who was attending the Carling Knockout Media Open Day at the invitation of the PSL, found himself abruptly asked to leave the press conference, which was set up for an interview with Coach, Phuti Mohafe. A club official, Abraham Ramoroka, citing instructions from the club’s chair, demanded Munyai’s departure, providing no justifiable reasons for this action.

In response to this unjust expulsion, Munyai notified his colleagues, who, in a display of solidarity, chose to leave the event as well. This regrettable incident not only undermines the principles of press freedom and fair media access but also hampers the free flow of information to the public, a right that should be upheld and protected.

SANEF is deeply concerned by this incident, especially as there have been no prior issues or disputes reported between the club and Mr. Munyai in his capacity as a journalist. The actions taken against him are not only unwarranted but also impede the journalistic duty of reporting objectively and without bias.

Moreover, SANEF is cognisant of the broader challenges faced by soccer reporters, including instances where female reporters are subjected to belittlement or inappropriate treatment, often infused with sexual undertones. This is a distressing pattern that undermines the professionalism and integrity of media professionals.

SANEF reiterates the agreements reached during the roundtable meeting with the South African Football Association (SAFA), where it was emphasised that all media should be granted fair and unbiased access to information. The meeting, attended by SAFA leadership and SANEF members, aimed to establish a level playing field for media engagement, stressing mutual respect for the independence and integrity of media organizations and their stakeholders.

All professional soccer clubs in the country are urged to adhere to the principles of fairness, respect, and impartiality in their interactions with the media. Such incidents detract from the collaborative efforts to foster an environment where the media can effectively perform their duties in informing the public.

SANEF calls for an immediate investigation into this incident and urges the Polokwane City to provide a formal explanation for the unjust expulsion of Munyai, ensuring that such actions are not repeated, and that press freedom and fair media access are upheld and respected.

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
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
Asanda Ngoasheng – SANEF Western Cape Convenor (082) 610 9374
Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

October 22 2023

SANEF Commemorates Black Wednesday and Celebrates Media Freedom Day

Annual Fundraiser, Events, Media Freedom, News

SANEF chairperson-Sbu Ngalwa at the Fundraiser Gala Dinner

22 October 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Press Freedom Day theme

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

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

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

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

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

Note to Editors:

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

October 18 2023

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

Annual Fundraiser, Events, Media Freedom, News

18 October 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information can be obtained by mailing [email protected]

Note to the editor:

ENDS –

Media Queries

Bridget van Oerle

The BUZ Factor

0832636991 [email protected]

October 9 2023

SANEF Supports City Press Against Attacks

Media Freedom, News, Safety & Wellness

09 October 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted with concern, the circulation of a purported “email” exchange claimed to be a conversation between a City Press journalist and a supposed handler.

The “email” surfaced following the publication of a story by the City Press in relation to the canned R5 billion deal, involving Thuja Capital Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

City Press has stated that the email is a fabrication and as SANEF, we believe them.

SANEF also welcomes the call by the City Press to anyone who claims to have evidence – proving wrongdoing on the part of any of their journalists – to come forward with such.

As SANEF we understand that there will be those who are not happy with the reporting, hence the smear campaign against reporter Mphumzi Zuzile and the City Press.

Journalists have long been subjected to smear campaigns, bullying and attempts to impugn their integrity.

SANEF stands for ethical and high standards in journalism. As an organisation, we would be the first to condemn any corrupt or unethical behaviour by any journalist.

Not only does the spread of fake news malign the integrity of the people targeted by such claims but also threatens their physical safety and that of their families.

In recent times we have seen a rise in deliberate disinformation and misinformation which is intended to not only mislead audiences but also meant to destabilise societies. The spread of fake news is much more destructive and not just an innocuous act of sharing content.

That’s why we call on members of the public to try and verify the information they receive – through reputable news organisations – before sharing it with others.

We hope that those with the necessary digital skills can investigate the matter and trace the origins of the purported email – including the time when it first surfaced on social media. We also call on law enforcement to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves.

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
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