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SANEF Calls for an Investigation and Transparency on Claims of SSA Funding for Media Outlets.

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is appalled and saddened by the admission of African News Agency (ANA) CEO Vasantha Angamuthu that they accepted money from the State Security Agency (SSA) to “provide multi-media training for SSA analysts and interns across Africa” and to carry positive stories about South Africa and the government.

Angamuthu’s admission comes after the testimony of Dr Sydney Mufamadi before the State Capture Commission of Inquiry. Mufamadi told the commission that about R20 million was paid by the intelligence agency to ANA to influence the national news narrative and to counter the bad publicity around former president Jacob Zuma’s government.

ANA is part of the Independent Media group, owned by Dr Iqbal Survé. The shocking revelation that a spy agency paid a media house for “training” and to report positively on the government is the latest in a series of allegations of unethical behaviour against Independent Media.

In their recent report on Media Ethics and Credibility, retired Judge Kathy Satchwell and her fellow panelists cited several occasions where Survé interfered with the editorial independence of editors and journalists in the group.

In reaction to Mufamadi’s testimony that ANA was paid R20 million by the SSA, Angamuthu defended ANA’s position, saying the agency is not a front for the SSA.

But she admitted to having had a contract with the SSA “to provide multimedia training for SSA analysts and interns across Africa, and to use its platforms, in particular the African Independent newspaper, to carry positive stories about South Africa and the South African government”.

This undermines the independence and credibility of the media in South Africa. It further erodes the trust that audiences/readers place on the media industry.

The generally-accepted rule in journalism is for paid-for content to be identified as such. That this did not happen in this case is worrying.

It is apparent from Angamuthu’s statement that she sees nothing wrong with a media house being paid to write stories that put a positive spin on the activities of the government.

The South African Press Code – to which Independent Media and its publications like ANA, IOL, The Star and The Sunday Independent are no longer signatories – is abundantly clear that conflicts of interests should be avoided. “The media shall not allow commercial, political, personal or other non-professional considerations to influence reporting, and avoid conflicts of interest as well as practices that could lead readers to doubt the media’s independence and professionalism,” states the code.

It is clear from Angamuthu’s admission that ANA did not comply with this basic tenet of ethical journalism.

SANEF understands that many journalists and editors working for ANA were not aware of the existence of this contract and were equally shocked by the revelations and admission.

To protect innocent journalists and editors from ANA, who were in the dark about this deal, it is of utmost importance that the details of the project and its participants be unearthed.

SANEF calls on Angamuthu and her bosses, in the interests of transparency, to make public the contract with the SSA, and to also provide a portfolio of stories published by Independent Media in executing this contract.

FURTHER CLAIMS OF SSA CLANDESTINE ACTIVITIES

SANEF is equally concerned about further claims of media manipulation by SSA. In a letter to the Zondo Commission by lawyers representing former SSA Director General Arthur Fraser among others, it has been alleged that SSA provided funding for the establishment of a certain broadcast media company where the agency seconded some of its members.

The letter, which has since gone viral on social media platforms, also claims that SSA money was used to purchase an online publication on behalf of certain individuals.

We do not name the broadcast media company and the online publication because the claims have not been put before the commission yet and, unlike in the case of Independent Media, those implicated have yet to respond.

We call on the relevant authorities to investigate these claims and make public their findings. We also encourage the two media companies to publicly respond to these allegations so as not to fuel further speculation.

SANEF believes that as the media we are not above scrutiny hence our call for transparency in this matter. Any allegations of manipulation or impropriety taint the entire media industry.

Following the release of the Judge Kathy Satchwell report on media ethics and credibility, SANEF plans to host several seminars to discuss issues of ethical breaches identified in the report including the recently revealed cases in the Zondo Commission. SANEF’s virtual council meeting in February will also be debating the way forward on the implementation of some of the recommendations of the Satchwell Report including an engagement with Media owners on critical issues of media freedom and the sustainability of ethical newsrooms.

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

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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Briefing on Audio and Audio Visual White Paper

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On 26 January 2021 The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and the Press Council hosted a briefing on the  Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) recently published Draft White Paper on Audio and Audio-visual Content Services Policy Framework: A New Vision for South Africa 2020.

The briefing was arranged to assist journalism bodies and media houses to better understand the proposed regulation and to help them in responding to the invitation for public comment, which is due on 15 February.

It is important for press stakeholders to engage with the draft White paper because if the final policy follows the proposals set out in the draft, the landscape for the regulation of journalistic content – particularly online video – will dramatically change.

The draft policy proposes statutory licensing of popular online video outlets, administered by ICASA, which will be applicable to traditional journalism outlets which have never been subject to licensing requirements.

Many of these publications are currently subscriber members of the Press Council, complying with the Press Code when they publish the online video.

One of the key questions that journalists asked after they saw the draft White Paper, was why the proposed policy does not follow the pattern already established in our law, in compliance with media freedom provisions in the Constitution: namely to provide for exemptions for Press Code subscribers (such as in the Film and Publications Act) or for journalistic content (such as in POPIA and other legislation, or for other forms of voluntary regulation.

Collin Mashile, Department of Communications Chief Director: broadcasting policy,  ‎said the following:

“We do respect Media Freedom, diversity and pluralism and the transparency related thereto. I was responsible for the films and the publications amendment bill and there-in we had recognised the self-regulatory nature of the press, but I think the issue we will need to assist the department with is around, as we move towards the 4IR and online environment, we have press that will generate online or audio-visual content that will look like your broadcasting content.

 So, what we are saying to you is that, as the press, as the people that will own websites, that will own content, if you can indicate how you want that regulated going forward. The lay of the land as it is currently, FPB is the one that is responsible for Internet, Icasa is responsible for broadcasting and there is a policy intended to move towards one content classification mechanism and one content regulation, hence I think the Minister announced that there is an intention to merge Icasa with FPB and (dot.za) because it is the recognition that everything is merging and that everything is moving online. Our approach is to respect the development that has happened around the press, the press developed in a self-regulatory mechanism, hence in broadcasting we have the BCCSA and related to others but with ICASA having the backstop powers so that when the BCCSA matters fail ICASA as the regulator will have that mechanism.

We have been following developments across the globe, Australia and the commonwealth in general and the UK around the press development and all the enquiries related to the emergency of the online platform.it will really assist us to say from your side as you are being affected with these digital platforms how they merge.

“We had an engagement as the department, FPB and the self-regulatory body of the press and I think they were looking to say this is what we believe should fall within the press self-regulatory mechanism and this is what we believe should fall within the FPB, so as we are moving towards these conversions and wanting to have one classification mechanism and one regulatory environment, it will assist to say moving forward, this is how we believe or this is how we would feel comfortable with being regulated as the press and the press owners or would have online content that looks like broadcasting and that is regulated elsewhere and how do we believe as South African content we should be regulated.

We have not taken any decision but will appreciate your input and direction in terms of how do you see your future within this new 4IR regulation.”

The presentation by Ms Ntombi Makwetu, Director: Creative Industries of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is available here: Audio and Audio Visual Content Policy Presentation _11 NOVEMBER 2020 DCDT (002) as well as the full recording of the two-hour session.

 

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SANEF Mourns the Death of Minister Jackson Mthembu

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has learnt of the tragic and untimely death of the Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, from Covid-19 complications.

Out of the many roles he played within the African National Congress, the media will always remember him as the friend and defender of media freedom and freedom of expression. He served as a spokesperson in Mpumalanga Province for both the ANC and for the provincial executive.  He moved on to be the national spokesperson of the governing party. Throughout his tenure, he showed tremendous respect for and gave journalists from mainstream media to community media equal opportunities and access to leaders.

He did not discriminate between senior and young journalists and ensured that they got the chance to ask questions. He always strove to build bridges and forged the professional spirit between media and politics.

Minister Mthembu was working with SANEF in the past few weeks towards fulfilling President Cyril Ramaphosa’s undertaking to initiate dialogue to find solutions for sustainable funding models for the media sector in the country. He was also organizing the first, in over 10 years, lekgotla between the executive and SANEF. It was also going to be the first under the Ramaphosa Administration.

SANEF regards his death also as a great loss of a voice of reason and an ally of the freedom of expression inside the governing party. He stood up and defended media freedom. He had frank and honest qualities in dealing with the media that are rare among politicians.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great loss. He will leave a great void in the presidency.

SANEF expresses its sincere condolences to the Mthembu family, his friends, and the political fraternity. SANEF also extends condolences to all those who have lost loved ones to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Condemns Unlawful Media Restrictions and Banning of the Herald Newspaper in Covering a Critical Rape Case

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns the restrictions faced by the Herald Newspaper in Port Elizabeth in covering a case by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) against a prominent endocrinologist in Port Elizabeth for allegations of sexual assault and rape levelled against him by former patients.

The accused’s legal representative raised an objection about the presence of The Herald’s news editor and a reporter at the inquiry on Wednesday. He argued that the naming of his client was unlawful and thus The Herald should be barred from reporting on the matter. After hearing the arguments, the HPCSA committee made an order in agreement with the legal representative. Ironically, another newspaper, Die Burger, was allowed to report ostensibly on the matter because they had not named the accused. They could stay but not report.

All proceedings before the professional conduct committee of the HPCSA are by default open to the public. The HPCSA Regulations relating to the “Conduct of Inquiries into alleged Unprofessional Conduct” allow the committee to deviate from this principle only in special circumstances. Those exceptions relate exclusively to in camera proceedings and orders aimed at protecting the identity of persons “other than the respondent” i.e. the accused in this matter.

We understand that the thrust of the argument about the doctor’s alleged right to anonymity is based on certain provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). However, he has not been arrested or charged in connection with the allegations against him and the CPA has no bearing on this matter.

In addition the imposition of a gag on the media in publishing the identity of the doctor will serve no purpose, as it is now a matter of public record. He was already identified on 17 September 2020 and on 20 January 2021.

SANEF believes that the ruling made yesterday to stop the Herald from reporting was a blatant restriction on the media’ duty to report on a matter of significant public interest.

As the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal have repeatedly emphasised, the principle of open justice is one of the foundational principles of our constitutional democracy.

Further it is important to note that the principal of open justice does not merely apply to proceedings in court, but to all fora where justice may be dispensed. A wide range of formal proceedings have been opened to the public including CCMA arbitrations.

In support of The Herald SANEF demands:

  • That the professional conduct committee abandon the order barring The Herald from reporting on the proceedings and/or from identifying the respondent.

Alternatively

  • That the committee immediately suspend its proceedings, pending the outcome of an urgent High Court application to be launched by The Herald, seeking to review and set aside the order of the professional conduct committee together with such further relief as may be necessary.

Gender based violence remains a tragic blight on our society and the media must be allowed to play its part in bringing these matters to light.

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

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Calls for Action Against Somizi Mhlongo for Insults Directed at Sunday World and City Press Journalists

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Somizi Mhlongo 

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is outraged by the insults that TV personality Somizi “Somgaga” Mhlongo directed at Sunday World acting editor, Kabelo Khumalo, and Julia Madibogo of City Press on Instagram, after they offered him his right of reply on separate stories they were writing last week.

Madibogo of City Press approached the “Idols SA” judge for comment on allegations that he was divorcing his husband, Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo. Khumalo approached him for comment after allegations that the production on his cooking show, “Dinner at Somizi’s”, had been put on hold amidst legal proceedings instituted by Hastings Moeng.

Last year Mhlongo, as well as broadcaster MultiChoice, were issued a summons by Moeng who claimed to have had his intellectual property stolen when Mhlongo launched the popular show.

Moeng claims to have conceived the show’s concept back in 2014 when he reached out to Mhlongo via email and outlined a near-identical pitch to the structure it currently employs, and he has now sought “reasonable compensation” with 15% interest on the amount decided.

Instead of responding to the questions raised, Mhlongo opted to insult Khumalo and his parents, calling them obscene names and abused Madibogo. Mhlongo further took a screengrab of the text of his conversation with both journalists and used his Instagram account to reveal the text and cellphone numbers of the journalists. We believe this is irresponsible in the extreme and potentially unlawful conduct. Mhlongo has a massive support base and a following in excess of almost 4-million on the Instagram social platform and his followers have resorted to intimidation and harassment of journalists on all social media platforms. They have subjected both Madibogo and Khumalo to torrents of insults and threats.

Some have directly threatened Madibogo and Khumalo’s wife with rape while Khumalo received threats to his life. The fans also threatened the safety of the journalists’ families. They have tormented them for doing their jobs and asking questions in line with the Press Code that demands of journalists to give a right of reply to everyone they intend to write stories about.

Although Mhlongo has since deleted the posts from his Instagram account, the journalists continue to be abused. His cyber trolls have amplified the ongoing attacks on women journalists.

His actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell.

SANEF calls on Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo’s comments.

SANEF reiterates its call on the journalism industry to urgently ensure the safety of journalists, especially women reporters, and to note that support is needed to address online attacks.

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

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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Sunday Times Statement on the Release of the Independent Panel Report on Media Ethics and Credibility

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S’thembiso Msomi, Image by: Masi Losi

The Sunday Times welcomes the conclusion of the Independent Panel’s inquiry and the publication of the report. We hope and believe that the report will go a long way in enhancing the practice of journalism and in encouraging adherence to media ethics by practitioners.

It is important to note that many of the weaknesses and lapses in our systems pointed out in the panel’s report were already acknowledged and addressed during Bongani Siqoko’s tenure as editor.

The series of stories in question happened between 2011 and 2016.

There has been a lot of effort put into improving our systems and to ensure that such mistakes do not happen in future.

Among the significant changes that have occurred was the acquisition of the Sunday Times and other publications in the group by new owners who have affirmed commitment to editorial independence as well as the strengthening of the newsroom in support of quality journalism.

We do recognise, however, that improving our systems with the goal of delivering quality journalism and ensuring that errors are minimised in our reporting is always a work in progress.

It is for this reason that we intend to study the report further in the coming days as we believe that it has some valuable suggestions for our newsroom going forward.

As a newspaper we remain committed to truthful, independent and accountable journalism and pledge to work closely with Sanef and other role players to help improve the craft.

Source: Sunday Times statement on the release of the Independent Panel Report on Media Ethics and Credibility (timeslive.co.za)

For more information please contact:

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

 

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Launch of Media Ethics and Credibility Report- Watch It Here

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Today the panel led by retired judge Kathleen Satchwell released the report of the commission of inquiry into ethical challenges facing South African journalism and officially handed it over to the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF).

The report by Satchwell and fellow panel members – veteran journalist and author Rich Mkhondo and award-winning journalist and former Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow Nikiwe Bikitsha was commissioned by SANEF in June 2019.

Watch it here:

Password: 1TG@e!cG

For more information please contact:

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

 

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SANEF Welcomes Launch of Media Ethics and Credibility Report

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Today the panel led by retired judge Kathleen Satchwell released the report of the commission of inquiry into ethical challenges facing South African journalism and officially handed it over to the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF).

The report by Satchwell and fellow panel members – veteran journalist and author Rich Mkhondo and award-winning journalist and former Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow Nikiwe Bikitsha was commissioned by SANEF in June 2019.

The Inquiry was proactively set up following the events surrounding the publication and subsequent retraction of a series of stories by the Sunday Times between 2011 and 2016, and public debates about reporting and processes followed in newsrooms across the country. The terms of reference of the inquiry were to look at possibilities of ethical lapses within the industry and to find solutions to enhance quality, ethical journalism.

While South African journalism has been lauded for courageous, investigative work that has helped advance our democracy, as SANEF we believe the media must continuously introspect to strengthen the relationship of trust with the public we serve and ensure accountability. The terms of reference included a review of the systemic problems that could be impeding ethical conduct across the media landscape. The panel sought clarity on, “those challenges confronting the media industry generally and journalists in particular which hinder the appropriate, honest, accountable and effective reporting necessary for advancing and strengthening Constitutional democracy in South Africa.”

We warmly thank the Sunday Times for their full cooperation with the Inquiry, showing their commitment to ethical journalism – and we welcome the improvements the newspaper has  already made to its news production processes. We are disappointed by the decision of the Independent  who chose not to engage.

Panel methods and processes

Between July 2019 and March 2020 the three-person Panel engaged in various ways with 167 individuals and entities, perused close to 200 documents and sought ad hoc research inputs including a comprehensive longitudinal study of the work of the South African Press Council. Consultations occurred with newsroom practitioners, owners, academics, consumers and concerned individuals and institutions. Members of the public were encouraged to participate in the process.

From April to December 2020 the Judge and her fellow panellists drafted their over 300-page report including 69 recommendations.

The Panel, unlike national commissions of inquiry, functioned without a secretariat, investigators or evidence leader. It relied on limited financial resources and had no statutory powers. SANEF, as the commissioning organisation, provided the terms of reference, the funding and ad hoc administrative support. Further, SANEF made an initial and detailed formal written submission to the panel outlining its views on the issues, followed up with further detailed clarifications and expansions as requested by the Panel. The final report is the independent product of the Panel’s deliberations.

SANEF’S initial response

SANEF notes that the inquiry made no official findings but extensively details some of the challenges to news gathering and reporting as raised by those who contributed to the inquiry. They include constrained financial models, digital disruption, smaller newsrooms with growing demand for journalists to do more. SANEF notes the detailed 69 recommendations put forward, arranged into the following eight categories: media freedom, media diversity, ethics and standards, financial resources, safety and security of journalists, continuing professional development, the Sunday Times and regulatory bodies.

SANEF will rigorously debate these recommendations to assess them and to see how they can be implemented in the advancement of ethical journalism that is at the heart of strengthening our democracy.

We will also share the report with various industry players, including media owners, unions, government, media training institutions and other institutions that could be best placed to implement some of the recommendations.

As an initial response SANEF welcomes the report’s endorsement of the critical role of self and co-regulatory bodies such as the Press Council and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and the importance of all print and online publications seeking membership of the Press Council and adhering to its ethics code. We welcome the suggestions around ensuring the strengthening of these bodies and ensuring their accessibility to the public to ensure accountability.

We welcome the recommendations that call for government, the private sector, civil society and other bodies’ endorsement of media freedom and, safety of journalists.

We also welcome the recommendations on media sustainability including the establishment of a media sustainability fund supported by government, corporates, private and and international donors that could support media regulatory bodies, media freedom organisations and ongoing projects to build the long-term sustainability of the media industry including vulnerable sectors such as community media.  This is even more critical as we confront the dire state of the industry as it sheds jobs and is forced to find new funding models as advertising revenue dwindles.

Way forward

SANEF commits to consulting as widely as possible with both its own members and all other media stakeholders to draft a SANEF and industry 5-year ethics action plan. The plan will be debated and adopted at an ethics and credibility conference to be held later this year.

We wish to thank Judge Satchwell and her fellow panellists Mkhondo and Bikitsha for their hard work and important contribution to journalism.

We also warmly thank ordinary South Africans, journalists and experts – who took the time to contribute to building an ethical media that is so crucial for strengthening our democracy.

The full report will be available here: SANEF ethics report OK

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

 

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SANEF Mourns the Death of Four Journalists

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) deeply mourns the deaths of four journalists who died in the past week from Covid-19 complications.

SANEF has learnt with great sadness of the passing of Sunday Independent news editor and investigative journalist Solly Maphumulo; Former Cape Argus photographer Enver Essop; resource coordinator in the SABC newsroom in KZN, Ismail Jinnah, and senior political journalist Knowledge Simelane of Ilanga Newspaper in KwaZulu-Natal.

Solly Maphumulo

Sunday Independent news editor Maphumulo died on Tuesday from Covid-19 related complications.

Zingisa Mkhuma, Sunday Independent editor, said Solly’s death was a tragic loss both for her family and the journalism fraternity. “I called her soldier because of her ability to investigate and get to the bottom of things.”

“She fell ill as soon as she came back from leave last week. She had complained about a tight chest even before we broke off for the festive season. She was admitted to hospital last Tuesday 5th January and she told me they had placed her on oxygen and had given her a drip. I thought she would be out in a few days and I was shocked to be told she passed away.”

“I was very fond of her and she was one of the young ladies I had hoped would be the leaders in our newsroom in the near future,” she said.

Former colleague and friend Baldwin Ndaba said Solly came to The Star during an exodus of black women journalists in the newsroom mostly to join private companies while others took jobs in government.

He said the rural girl from KwaMaphumulo in KwaZulu-Natal did not disappoint; her rise in journalism was like lightning. She exposed the shenanigans at the Hawks during the tenure of General Berning Ntlemeza. She broke the story on some law enforcement authorities and criminals using “grabbers”, to intercept conversations of private individuals. Her stories also exposed factions in the Hawks. The NPA was not spared either. She exposed injustices, favouritism and maladministration in the Gauteng division of the NPA – an effort she carried out meticulously.

Her former colleague Cecilia Russell described her as a “brilliant and determined journalist”. “She was brave. She became a top-class journalist, investigative reporter and a brilliant friend.”

Enver Essop

Former Cape Argus photographer Enver Essop died at the age of 54 on Tuesday after contracting Covid-19. Essop worked for several news publications, including Die Burger, the Cape Argus and the Cape Times. He was described by colleagues as a “gentle giant”.

Independent Media editor-in-chief Aneez Salie said: “I am saddened by the news. It was a pleasure working with Enver, nothing was too far for him. It is a reminder to our colleagues to be cautious and to take this virus seriously.” Salie was the Cape Times night news editor at the time he worked closely with Essop.

Photographer Ian Landsberg said: “Very few of the Argus photographers had the ability to capture the nuances of township life. He was a passionate photographer and he captured stories that you could really feel. He took his time when he went out on jobs to really capture an image and tell a beautiful story.”

Ismail Jinnah 

Veteran SABC television and radio producer, Ismail Jinnah, passed away last week following Covid-19 complications at the age of 65. He retired in 2019.

Former colleague Izak Minnaar described Jinnah, who was resource coordinator in the SABC newsroom in KZN when he retired, as an outstanding researcher and trainer.

“He was passionate about training young journalist on how to use technology to advance their careers. He came up with lots of tricks and digital techniques that enabled journalists to excel in researching content for their stories and also to grow their digital skills in studio production,” he said.

Minnaar said Jinnah spent the last years of his career involved the planning and deployment of teams for major projects such as elections.

Former Durban colleague and SANEF KZN convenor Judy Sandison said: “Ismail was a very dedicated and hardworking person whose commitment to excellence shone through in every project he undertook at SABC news – during his time both in Johannesburg and in Durban. He was also a digital fundi who trained news staff to expand their work across digital platforms.”

Knowledge Simelane

Veteran political writer Knowledge Simelane died from a suspected Covid-19 related illness yesterday.

Editor Philani Mgwaba described Knowledge Simelane as a man with a fountain of political knowledge and a thorough understanding of government political dynamics, especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

“His death has come as a great shock to us. To die alone as he did is incredibly sad. Knowledge was a great and unique human being with an infectious laughter and a great sense of humour, which was a tonic to all of us in the newsroom,” he said.

He will leave a great void at Ilanga and we wish to express our sincere condolences to the Simelane family.

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

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
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  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
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