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SANEF Celebrates World Press Freedom Day, While Noting Big Concerns in SA

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03 May 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) celebrates World Press Freedom Day today noting that our country is a home to a free nation that respects media rights and freedom of expression. Globally however, there is now more red on the world press freedom map today – indicating a serious situation for journalists, according to Reporters without Borders (RSF). Today’s World Press Freedom Day is themed by Unesco as: Shaping a future of Rights: freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.

SANEF is pleased that South Africa ranked twenty-five out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom index by Reporters without Borders released today – which is ten places up from last year’s position of 35. The index measures how free journalists are to do their job in a particular country. Number one was Norway and last was North Korea. In Africa, the best country was Namibia (22), and the worst was Eritrea.

The most important measure for world press Freedom Day index was the ability of journalists to publish news in the public interest without interference and without threats to their own safety.

Fake news – as in propaganda, disinformation, misinformation – as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) threaten press freedom worldwide, the RSF report says.

“The difference is being blurred between true and false, real and artificial, facts and artifices, jeopardising the right to information,” the report said. “The unprecedented ability to tamper with content is being used to undermine those who embody quality journalism and weaken journalism itself.”

Artificial intelligence was “wreaking further havoc on the media world,” the RSF report said, with AI tools “digesting content and regurgitating it in the form of syntheses that flout the principles of rigour and reliability.”

While SA’s spot at number 25 still remains better than many western and northern countries, for e.g. the US (45) and the UK (27) in the rankings, this is not to say that the situation has improved in South Africa. Rather it is an indication that press freedom around the world has decreased as the indicators show.

Sanef in SA condemns the attacks on journalists by some political parties, law enforcement agencies, and some communities. There has been a growing trend of online threats targeting journalists, especially women journalists, using hate speech, death threats, and threats of physical harm. There have been trends of trolling and doxing, (the act of disclosing a journalist’s full name, address, contact number, and other identifying details without their consent). Threats to women journalists have also been pervasive, including attacks and threats on journalists’ families, death threats, and threats of rape. We also note concerns about the surveillance of journalists by state intelligence as well as overly punitive legislation that targets journalists or limits their ability to report in all media platforms.

In a joint statement on 2nd May 2023, Csaba Korosi, President of the United Nations General Assembly and Santiago Irazabal Mourão, President of UNESCO General Conference, stated that: “Journalists and media workers make indispensable contribution to the protection of human rights for all peoples… It is time to create and maintain, in law and in practice, a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference. The safety of journalists and media workers must be considered an integral part of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and key to countering disinformation, including in conflict settings,” the statement said.

 Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

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

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3 May 2023  

This year is 30 years since the United Nations marked World Press Freedom Day, which came as a recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference.

Since then, on 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

“After 30 years, the historic connection made between the freedom to seek, impart and receive information and the public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its signing,” says the UN.

Here at home, South African journalists continue to face a barrage of intimidation, threats, and cyberbullying, among other violations of media freedom.

Yet, journalists in SA continue to be brave as they continue to work around the clock delivering the best journalism, exposing the rot, and telling untold stories.

It is in this light that the South African National Editors’ Forum’s (SANEF) Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards (Sikuvile Awards) once again delivers this year’s edition of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards.

The Awards, which opened last week are a highlight of the important work that journalists do in this country in guarding its democracy and is testimony to the importance of press freedom.

The Awards close on 25 May. There is no deadline extension this year. The Awards’ winners will be announced at a live event at The Venue, Melrose Arch, on 24 June 2023.

Winners are rewarded with the coveted Sikuvile Journalism Award Trophy as well as R15,000 prize money (to be shared if there is more than one winner in a category).

There are 14 categories to choose from this year, including the new category for the Manager/Publisher of the Year Award that rewards managers/publishers for their work. The entry for this is a motivation letter or proof of activities by peers in the industry.

Journalist of the Year and Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year are selected from the entries in the categories by the jury, while the jury nominates The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award (previously the Allan Kirkland Soga: Achievement Award).

This Award recognises a sustained and extraordinary contribution to newspaper journalism on the part of an individual and the winner will have demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence.

To enter the awards: https://sikuvileawards.co.za

Further information:

SANEF:

Reggy Moalusi- Executive Director 071 682 3695 –[email protected]

Hopewell Radebe- Projects Manager/ 083 582 1734 – [email protected]

Dzudzie Netshisaulu – Coordinator/Administrator 079 029 7656/ [email protected]

 

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Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards Entries Open

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 Entries for this year’s edition of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, brought to you by South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), are now open.

The Awards will close for entries on 25 May, with no extension and winners will be announced at an event on Saturday, 24 June at The Venue, Melrose Arch, Gauteng.

This is the second year SANEF is organising the awards. They were previously organised by PDMSA, now the Publishers’ Support Services.

The theme of the Awards this year is “Journalism: In the Face of Public LIE ability. When seeing is believing, when does the ability to lie end, and the liability begin?”

Open to all print, online/digital, broadcast (radio and TV) journalists, the Awards are a highlight on the journalistic calendar rewarding the exceptional work done by the country’s journalists in categories from investigative journalism to feature writing and lifestyle as well as a digital category that continues to grow.

The Awards reflect the importance of accurate and reliable as well as verified reporting in a world where fake news is a massive issue. They are also proof of the important role that the Fourth Estate plays in the country’s democracy.

Award Categories

The awards are open to all print, online/digital, and broadcast (radio and TV) journalists.

The categories are:

  1. Hard News
  2. Indigenous language reporting in community media
  3. Community Service Reporting
  4. Popular Journalism
  5. Investigative Journalism
  6. Business Journalism
  7. Features
  8. Lifestyle
  9. Columns/Editorial
  10. Visual Journalism (Editorial Cartoons/Graphic Layout)
  11. News Photographs
  12. Features Photographs
  13. Sports Photographs
  14. Manager/Publisher of the Year Award: Last year the Awards found a new home with SANEF which saw the launch of some new and exciting categories. This year a new and exciting category, The Manager/Publisher of the Year Award, rewards managers/publishers for their work. The entry for this is a motivation letter or proof of activities by peers in the industry.
  15. Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year (Selected from the entries in the categories by the jury.)
  16. Journalist of the Year (Selected from the entries in the categories by the jury.)
  17. The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award (previously the Allan Kirkland Soga: Achievement Award): Recognises a sustained and extraordinary contribution to newspaper journalism on the part of an individual and the winner will have demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence.

To enter the awards, go to https://sikuvileawards.co.za.  The entry kit is on this link: Entry Information Pack 2023.

Further information:

SANEF:

 

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SANEF Mourns the Passing of Two SABC Journalists and Former EWN Reporter

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 18 April 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the passing of two SABC journalists in Limpopo and Free State as well as former EWN reporter in the Western Cape.

Just days apart the journalism fraternity has lost SABC News Free State editor Teboho Letshaba, veteran SABC News Sepedi Radio Current Affairs Producer and Presenter Matome Maupi in Limpopo, and former EWN reporter in Cape Town, Graig-Lee Smith. The 40-year-old Letshaba passed away in his sleep at his apartment in Bloemfontein on 4 April 2023 and was buried over the past weekend.

SABC News’ Head of Input, Angie Kapelianis described Letshaba as versatile, brilliant, and dedicated to education and his work.

The multi-award-winning journalist joined the SABC Bloemfontein newsroom in 2008 and held various positions. He also authored at least five Sesotho books, of which one was turned into a theatre production.

Kapelianis said they were still expecting more from him. “He was disciplined. He was a quiet and thoughtful guy. To Teboho’s family, we feel for you. We are with you… To Teboho, sleep well, go well,” said Kapelianis.

Mandla Mbusi, provincial operations manager at the broadcaster, said: “We are trying to cope with the grief and loss of Letshaba. He would bring you current affair stories, real stories affecting people lives. We have lost a giant in the media industry and as the broadcaster.”

SANEF also mourns the death of 52-year-old veteran Sepedi Radio Current Affairs Producer and Presenter Matome Maupi who passed away on the evening of 13 April 2023 after losing a battle against lung cancer. He’d been sick and on leave since January.

Maupi started his radio current affairs career at Mohodi Community Radio and joined the SABC as the host of popular Current Affairs show Hlokwa La Tsela on Thobela FM in the early 2000s, where he was loved for his robust interaction with politicians and officials when tackling service delivery issues affecting communities in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng.

Maupi’s former colleague, Thipa Selala, described him and a great mentor, teacher, and as a walking Sepedi encyclopaedia.

“When I joined the SABC in 2007 he was tasked with training me. He was a diligent man; his cheerful personality will be missed. He was energetic and worked like a man possessed with extraordinary vision. He had exceptional courage and unmatched passion for radio. May God rest his soul.”

SABC regional manager Oupa Mamabolo said; “We are bereft of words of comfort as Matome Maupi was one of a kind- an intersection of assertiveness and humility packed in a human being.”

SANEF is also saddened to learn that former EWN reporter in Cape Town, Graig-Lee Smith passed away on Sunday evening.

Former colleague Crystal Orderson described Smith as passionate and energetic since their student days at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

“He wanted to make a difference in telling stories about communities. He went to speak to rural women and in the Cape Flats who lost children due to violence.

“Graig-Lee hated sitting in the office and loved going to communities and telling their stories,” she said.

Smith joined e-tv Openview team as a producer. He was later appointed as Programme Manager at RSG- the main and oldest Afrikaans radio station- where he ensured the station reflected full diversity of Afrikaans speakers from Kuruman to Mitchells’ Plain to Johannesburg.

“He had a knack to get people to tell him how they feel, and he was able to bring those stories to 702, 567 Cape Talk, KFM in the Western Cape and 947 in Johannesburg. As a multi-faceted journalist, he was also a stand in news reader, helping when we needed a voice to read news bulletins,” said Orderson.

SANEF sends condolences to the families of these broadcasting giants, and colleagues. Their death is a great loss to the media fraternity, and they will be sorely missed.

 Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

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

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14 April 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is concerned by the growing lack of responses to media queries, by government spokespeople. Recently we have been receiving complaints from journalists about the failure of spokespeople, to either reply to questions or to provide useful information – when approached for comment. This tendency seems to be worsening.

It is not a choice or optional for the government to communicate properly. It is required by the Constitution. Section 195 of the Constitution deals with the values and principles governing public administration. It states: “Transparency must be fostered by providing the public with timely, accessible, and accurate information”.

Previously, SANEF has engaged the Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) to raise this issue. Seemingly, there is no progress being made here as spokespersons continue to disregard journalists’ requests for comments, clarity, or information.

Furthermore, government departments employ spokespeople/communicators to communicate accurately and timeously with the media. When they fail to do so, taxpayers’ money is wasted, and South Africans are left none the wiser. It is disdainful for departments to choose not to respond to questions, despite being given ample time to do so.

We call on the acting head of the GCIS, Michael Currin, cabinet ministers and MECs to instruct their departmental spokespersons to respond to media queries promptly and transparently.

Below are a few examples shared by GroundUp on how spokespersons failed to do their jobs recently:

  • GroundUp article on pit latrines in schools, four of the nine provincial education spokespeople failed to respond.
  • GroundUp article on escaped convict Thabo Bester :the Department of Home Affairs, the Gauteng Department of Transport, and the South African Police Service all failed to respond to questions.
  • GroundUp article on asylum seekers  was published after two Home Affairs spokespeople failed to respond to questions for a week.

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695
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SANEF Gutted by the Callous Murder of Veteran Journalist, Jeremy Gordin

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03 April 2023

Famed American guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, once said: “I’m the one that’s got to die when it’s time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.” Jeremy Gordin lived his life the way he wanted to. He was known not to hold back punches when they needed to be thrown. He was full of life, well-read, and had a distinct sense of humour.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) joins all South Africans as we send our heartfelt condolences to Deborah, Jeremy’s wife, son Jake, and daughter Nina.

Gordin’s callous murder should not only be merely condemned, but we also call on the SA Police Service to do more to find and arrest the murderous thugs who killed him. SANEF continues to be concerned about the rising number of attacks on journalists and news crews.

Gordin, an experienced author, and journalist with decades of experience had worked for publications such as The Star, Sunday Independent, and Sunday Times and was at one stage publisher and editor of the Daily Sun. At the time of his death, Gordin was a regular columnist for Politicsweb.

Peta Krost, a former colleague, said: “I’ve known Jeremy since we worked together on the Sunday Indie many years back. Jeremy was one of the most astute newspapermen I ever knew. He was equally comfortable at the Indie and at Daily Sun. He took the latter to unexpected heights. Jeremy was unquestionably a maverick, who was never afraid to voice his opinions…loudly. His sense of humour, wit, and wisdom will be missed. He is a great loss to our industry.”

Charisse Zeifert, head of communications at the SA Jewish Board of Deputies and a personal friend, said: “There wasn’t a conversation that I had with Jeremy that I didn’t enjoy. He was always interesting to speak to. We gossiped, we laughed, we fought, we made up, and we went off on tangents with neither of us finishing the sentence. He always referred to his Jewish heritage, which he was very knowledgeable about and which he regularly wrote about with his trademark insight and wit.”

James Myburgh, the publisher of Politicsweb, said: “He was the editor of me, much as I was his editor. I relied heavily on him for my journalism. He was a huge contributor to the site and his loss will be greatly felt.

Myburgh further wrote on Politicsweb: “Since 2020 he was back to writing a regular weekly Thursday column for us. These articles and columns over the years speak for themselves. Throughout the existence of Politicsweb as an independent publication, and through some very trying times, Jeremy was also always a rock of moral support.

“He was a great intellectual companion when it came to researching some of the great unsolved mysteries of our history, and a committed fellow of the Society for the Pursuit of the World’s Most Unpopular Causes.”

Reggy Moalusi, Sanef’s executive director and Gordin’s former colleague at Daily Sun, said: “He was fun to be around with. The newsroom was a lively place with him around. I was always teasing him when is he writing a follow-up biography to the initial one, he did about former president Jacob Zuma, and he was clear that will never happen.”

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695
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SANEF Condemns Attack on SABC Journalists

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22 March 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns attacks on SABC journalists who were covering the EFF-led “national shutdown” events in Nyanga, Cape Town on Monday.

SANEF has learnt that the incident happened in the early hours of Monday on the N2 near Borcherds Quarry in Nyanga. The crew was gathering visuals of the national shutdown when two men approached their vehicle and hit the car with an object.

An SABC crew member seated on the front of the vehicle was struck on the head with the object. He was taken to hospital.

We are troubled by increasing incidents of violence against Journalists around the country, including in Cape Town townships, where some journalists were previously robbed. We wish to remind all South Africans about the importance of a free media, which is vital to a functioning democracy – exposing wrongdoing & corruption and bringing the powerful to account.

In his message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in November last year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on governments and the international community to take action to protect the professionals who bring us the news. “Governments must do more to protect journalists & stand up for truth, justice & human rights.”

South Africa has endorsed the UN action plan which aims to protect journalists, prevent crimes against them, and pursue their perpetrators.  Therefore, we call on law enforcement officers to investigate these incidents and bring perpetrators to book.

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695
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SANEF,Supported by Various Civil Society Organisations, Supports Karyn Maughan

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21 March 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and various civil society organisations will on Wednesday picket in support of Karyn Maughan as she seeks to have the private prosecution matter brought by former president, Jacob Zuma, struck off the roll.

Maughan seeks to stop the private prosecution against her, a move SANEF supports. Maughan is a journalist, who was doing her job, something that Zuma and his legal team refuse to accept. Maughan’s constitutional rights have been abused by this private prosecution.

Media freedom is paramount in our constitutional democracy, hence there is a need to defend it all the time. SANEF will be outside the court on Wednesday to show solidarity with Maughan.

Various civil society organisations have indicated their support for SANEF and Maughan, as they see the importance of upholding media freedom and allowing journalists to freely do their work. All organisations are united against this targeting and attempt to intimidate Maughan.

SANEF will always speak out against anyone seeking to silence journalists. SANEF believes in the ability of our judiciary to spot any abuses of the courts, which we believe is what this private prosecution is doing.

Women journalists, such as Maughan, face vicious attacks online where they are harassed and bullied. We have also noted how gender-based violence is evident in various spaces and online, where women are body-shamed and called all kinds of names.

SANEF notes the social media charter that was recently launched by the SA Human Rights Commission, which we hope would assist in deterring bullies that use social media for their nefarious agendas.

While we note the launch of the charter, we have unfortunately seen little action being taken by the prosecution authorities on this.

SANEF supports the view that the charges have no merits and should be dismissed as such. We will continue to support Maughan, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome in court.

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695
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SANEF Condemns Acts of Violence Against Newcastle Advertiser Female Journalists by the Town’s Mayor

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17 March 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

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