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The Deadline for the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards Entries Extended to Wednesday 3rd April 2024

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29 March 2024

Due to numerous requests, the deadline for entries for the 2024 edition of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, brought to you by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), has been extended.

The deadline was initially on Friday, 29 March 2024, However, we have noted that it coincided with the Eastern Friday religious festivities and has now been extended by five days. The deadline to submit your entries will now be Wednesday 3rd April 2024.

The Awards will cover stories published or broadcast between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. There will be no extension and winners will be announced at an event on Saturday, 22 June, at a venue yet to be confirmed in Gauteng.

The awards are open to all media platforms – print, online/digital, and broadcast (radio and TV) journalists. They are regarded as a highlight on the journalistic calendar rewarding the exceptional work done by the country’s journalists, in categories ranging from investigative journalism to feature writing, and lifestyle as well as photojournalism.

The Awards reflect the importance of groundbreaking, accurate, fact-based, truthful, fair, and verified reporting in a world where misinformation and disinformation continue to be a major concern in the media sector. They are also proof of the key role that the Fourth Estate plays in the country’s democracy.

To enter the awards, go to www.sikuvileawards.co.za

Further information:

Note to Editors:

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

For more information, please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF 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
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 

Obituaries Site Wide Image

Sanef Pays Tribute to Veteran Journalist and Champion of Truth and Justice, Tony Heard

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28 March 2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) stands in solemn remembrance as the media industry bids farewell to a titan of journalism, Tony Heard.

With heavy hearts, SANEF mourns the passing of a doyen of a conscientious journalist whose contributions to the field left an indelible mark on South Africa and beyond. In 2022, Tony received the Lifetime Achiever Award at the Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards, organised by SANEF, a testament to his profound impact and enduring legacy.

In a statement released by his beloved children, it said; “Tony passed on peacefully on the morning of March 27, 2024, following a brief illness. At the age of 86.”

Tony has left behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the principles of non-racialism, media freedom, and social justice.

Born Anthony Hazlitt Heard to George and Vida Heard in Johannesburg on November 20, 1937, Tony’s journey into journalism was shaped by his family’s connection to the profession. Raised alongside his brother Raymond by their mother Vida, herself a trailblazing journalist, Tony’s early years were marked by resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Tony’s career trajectory, from a cub reporter at the Cape Times to an acclaimed editor, reflects his steadfast dedication to the pursuit of truth. His coverage of pivotal events, such as the historic anti-pass Langa march in 1960, showcased his bravery and commitment to shedding light on the injustices of apartheid South Africa. Tony’s journalistic integrity was further exemplified by his daring interview with banned ANC leader Oliver Tambo in 1985, a bold act that reverberated globally and underscored his unwavering belief in the power of dialogue and reconciliation.

Despite facing adversity, including his controversial dismissal as editor in 1987, Tony’s commitment to journalism never wavered. As a freelance journalist and internationally syndicated columnist, he continued to champion the cause of a free and democratic South Africa. His role as a media consultant and special adviser to government ministers during the transition to democracy further attests to his dedication to nation-building and inclusive governance.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tony was cherished as a devoted partner, loving father, and doting grandfather. Tony’s warmth, kindness, and zest for life endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we bid farewell to Tony, SANEF celebrates a life lived with purpose, integrity, and unwavering conviction. His legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of all those who were touched by his kindness, inspired by his courage, and guided by his wisdom. In honoring his memory, SANEF calls upon the media sector to recommit to the principles of truth, justice, and reconciliation that Tony so fiercely championed throughout his remarkable life.

As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences and memories that Tony leaves behind.

The Heard family has invited all those who wish to honour Tony’s memory to donate to a charity or organisation of their choice and to come together to celebrate his life and legacy, a true giant of journalism and a beloved member of the media fraternity.

SANEF wishes Tony a peaceful and eternal peace and that his spirit continues to inspire us all.

Please share your messages of support to the family  here

Note to Editors:

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

For more information, please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF 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
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 

Obituaries Site Wide Image

Sanef Mourns the Passing of Former the Star Newspaper Photojournalist, Boxer Ngwenya

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27 March 2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is saddened by the passing of former The Star newspaper photojournalist, Boxer Ngwenya, on Tuesday at Thelle Mokgoerane Hospital from a cancer-related infection in his lungs. He suffered a stroke last year and was ill for some time.

His friends and colleagues described him as a man who always maintained “journalistic integrity.”

Themba Sepotokele, media trainer and former colleague, described him as a “jolly fellow” who was friendly in the newsroom. Sepotokele said he met Ngwenya thirty years ago when he worked as a librarian at The Star. before he traded books for photography.

“I was a cub reporter at the Sowetan. The late veteran journalist, Themba Molefe, advised me to use the library of The Star for research. Boxer was immensely helpful and since then we formed a bond. Even when I joined The Star in 1997.”

“Later he was appointed a dark room technician, rose up the ladder, and became a photojournalist. We worked well as a team with Robin Comley as Pictures Editor. Boxer was a jolly fellow who would always stop for a chat with colleagues in the newsroom, subs department, transport, or canteen.”

“He was quite level-headed and always discussed football, especially his beloved team Orlando Pirates. In December, we visited him together with former colleagues, Siphiwe Sibeko, Themba Hadebe, and Thobeka Ndabula and he was gravely ill. We wish the family strength in these difficult and trying times,” said Sepotokele.

Sumayya Samsoodien, who worked with Ngwenya at The Star said Boxer was such a laugh and “it was a pleasure working with him. Spreading cheer wherever he went.”

“He would walk into the office every morning cheerful, greeting everyone and making a big noise. You could hear him from a mile away. Boxer was a wonderful person. Always had a smile on his face,” she said.

She said that while every human being goes through tough times, she would remember Boxer as a colleague who hid his troubles very well and who “went about his work without complaining, never in a bad mood, always the same.”

SANEF extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire media fraternity during this time of deep loss.

Note to Editors:

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

For more information, please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF 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
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 

Community Media Site Wide Image

Mentorship Scheme for Community Newsrooms Based in Kenya and Zambia and South Africa

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Call for Applications

Mentorship scheme for community newsrooms based in Kenya and Zambia and South Africa

Developing Editorial Policies and a Comprehensive Business Plan for Enhancing Sustainable, Independent and Ethical Journalism in Africa

Date: 25th March 2024| Application deadline: 3rd of April 2024.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation presents an exciting opportunity for community newsrooms in Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa to strengthen their resilience and sustainability framework by developing solid and updated set of Editorial Standards and Policies, and an integral Business Plan for their newsroom to respond to the challenging and fast-evolving landscape in the African Media.

Throughout the course, newsrooms will work with regional and international mentors to develop and/or strengthen their editorial policies and business plans addressing key areas of need previously identified with the support from the lead mentor. Areas of need could include, for example, operations, assessment of their business model and newsroom management, editorial policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the newsrooms, content and data sharing, and sourcing, among others.

The mentorship programme will consist of three parts:

  1. Needs assessment: TRF will connect with the selected newsrooms to better understand their needs and tailor the mentoring programme according to the newsrooms’ needs.
  2. Training and mentoring: based on the needs of the newsrooms the consultants will conduct a four-day training and intensive mentoring course in Nairobi, Kenya, where the representatives from the newsroom will have an overview of the areas of focus in relation to their editorial policies and business plans.

*The training and mentoring will take place during the week of the 22nd of April. TRF will cover travel expenses and accommodation.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We are looking for:

  • Community based newsrooms who are:
    • Editorially independent, regardless of ownership. This means that editors have the freedom to make decisions without interference from the owners of the publication, business interests and/or other non-editorial actors. Not owned, controlled, affiliated or associated with government, political entities or politically exposed persons.
    • Focusing some or all of their content on producing original public interest journalism. This means their journalism should aim to inform the public about matters of relevance to their lives, well-being, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens
    • Striving to produce balanced, fair and accurate journalism, which explores all sides of an issue and presents those findings accurately.
  • Newsrooms based in the community with at least three or more employees.
  • Newsrooms based in South Africa
  • Newsrooms with the capacity and willingness to commit to attend a four-day in person training and mentoring in Nairobi, Kenya on the week of the 22nd of April.
  • Staff attending the training and mentoring should speak fluent English. 

Expression of interest overview:

To apply, the newsroom’s Editor in Chief, Senior Editors in charge or Editorial Managers, should email [email protected] expressing your interest in participating in the training and mentoring by midday, 3rd of April 2024. 

Applicants should attach the following documents as part of the application process:

  • A link or pdf of your current Editorial Standards and Policies and/or other related documents
  • If the newsroom currently has an operational business plan in place, please attach a copy.
  • Two relevant work samples of public-interest type content (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio based newsrooms may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
  • A statement of up to 300 words addressing the following:
    • Nominating two people from your newsroom who will take part in the programme: include their names and current position. Ideally, one person with Editorial management responsibilities and one person within the operations and management of the newsroom should take part.
    • how do you expect to benefit from this programme
    • how your newsroom fits the eligibility criteria, responding to the following questions:
      • Are you editorially independent or aspire to be editorially independent?
      • What is the ownership structure of your newsroom?
      • What is the size of your newsroom?
      • What is the reach and size of your audience?
      • Please include links to your social media channels

 

Trainings Site Wide Image

Legal Training for Journalists on Pre-publication Due Diligence, Defamation and Journalistic Sources

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Call for Applications  

Legal Training for Journalists on pre-publication due diligence, defamation and journalistic sources

 

Dates:  Thursday, 18th April in Johannesburg South Africa

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa 

Application deadline: Friday,5th April 2024-midday (extended, please ignore if you have already submitted application)

Legal attacks on journalists are one of many wide-ranging threats to media freedom, which have proliferated in recent years and are now often used to silence public interest or critical reporting. In the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s Weaponizing the Law: Attacks on Media Freedom (2023) report, 47.6% of the journalists surveyed reported that they or their media organisations have experienced legal threats as a result of their journalism. According to the report, the leading legal threat to journalists is the abuse of defamation laws.

Responding to this challenge, the Thomson Reuters Foundation has developed an expanded legal support programme for journalists and media organisations, to strengthen their ability to prevent, and defend themselves, against legal attacks. Our comprehensive approach now includes operational legal support to help strengthen organisational health and resilience, legal research assistance to media freedom and development organisations, programmes that address specific legal threats, and the development of practical legal resources. Independent media and journalists may also be eligible for referral to our Legal Network for Journalists at Risk, to receive specialised legal counsel on defence and strategic litigation.

To equip journalists with a practical understanding of the laws on defamation and journalistic sources, their legal rights and obligations, TrustLaw has produced Know Your Rights Guides for journalists in South Africa:

  1. Understanding Defamation Laws in South Africa
  2. Understanding laws on journalistic sources in South Africa

In addition, TrustLaw is producing a pre-publication due diligence resource to upskill journalists on how to review their own publications to mitigate potential legal liability. All the resources are intended to empower journalists to continue to report on issues of vital public interest.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is offering a one-day practical workshop for at least 15 journalists in South Africa to build their capacity on the topics of defamation laws, laws on journalistic sources and how to conduct pre-publication legal due diligence. The training is designed to empower journalists to strengthen their awareness of laws affecting journalistic content and equipping them with knowledge, resources and tools that build resilience against legal attacks as a result of their journalism.  This is part of a pilot project, the results of which will be used to inform the development of future legal training for journalists and media outlets.

  Provisional Programme

  • This will be a full 1-day training from 0900hrs to 1700hrs with tea/coffee and lunch breaks.
  • The training will be split into three sessions.
  • Participants must commit to 6 hours for an in-person training session, 1-2 hours of offline reading or assignments done in their own time before the session, and up to hour of pre- training and post-training questionnaires/feedback.
  • The training will be facilitated in English.

Who can apply?

  • Full-time journalist or regular contributor to media organisations in broadcast, print or online.
  • Journalist working on public interest topics such as governance, environment/climate, human rights, equality.
  • Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
  • Minimum of two years of professional experience in journalism.

Logistics and considerations: 

 The Thomson Reuters Foundation will cover the cost of meals, local transport and accommodation (where necessary). Applications from people based outside of Johannesburg may be exceptionally considered and offered limited travel cost cover.

Expression of interest overview:

To apply, please email [email protected] expressing your interest to participate in the training by Friday 5th April 2024.

Applicants should attach the following documents as part of the application process:

  • Two relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
  • A biography of up to 200 words outlining your career.
  • A statement of up to 200 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you plan to use the learnings in your professional work, and any factors affecting your work as a journalist which may be considered relevant to your application.
Elections Site Wide Image

Sanef Calls on Newsrooms to Think of Their Audiences When Using Polls

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19 March 2024

With election season in full swing, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted the release of several polls about the upcoming provincial and national elections, and the popularity of certain politicians and political parties.

In recent weeks, there has been a proliferation of election polls, with some of these leaving a lot to be desired when it comes to their depth, audience reach, and what exactly they want to achieve.

As the nation approaches the forthcoming elections scheduled for Wednesday, 29th May 2024, SANEF calls upon editors and journalists across all media platforms to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and balance in their reporting.

The weeks leading up to the elections are marked by heightened political discourse, varying opinions, and the dissemination of numerous polls and surveys. While these polls serve as valuable indicators of public sentiment, SANEF emphasises the need for caution and vigilance in their reporting. Opinion polls, if not handled with care, have the potential to sway public perception and influence electoral outcomes significantly.

SANEF urges all editors and journalists to approach the reporting of opinion polls with meticulous scrutiny and a commitment to journalistic integrity.

Newsrooms should always be mindful that the electorate expects well-informed and researched news pieces, and these are audiences that should always be prioritised in our reporting.

Our scepticism as journalists should determine that most of these polls do not paint the full picture of what the electorate says or would decide, hence we always need to dig deeper and ask tougher questions when it comes to these election polls.

SANEF would like to see audiences that engage and follow credible news media making better decisions, hence we call on our members to be mindful in their reporting and analysis of these election polls.

The accuracy, methodology, and timing of polls, among other things, are what we should always consider as the news media. As the election season has started, the news media will be under extreme pressure, yet we should always strive to put our audiences first and consider their shifting opinions.

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
  • 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

 

Media Freedom Site Wide Image

Sanef calls for an end to cyberbullying of women journalists on this International Women’s Day

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On 08 March 2024, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns the repeated targeting of female journalists on social media and other platforms. Technology-assisted Gender-Based Violence (GBV), otherwise known as cyberbullying or cyber harassment is on the rise in South Africa, with women as the main targets.

Women in media, politics and any public-facing profession are most at risk with 49% of women journalists experiencing some form of online abuse through hateful language at some point in their career.

The state of cyberbullying in South Africa is alarming, with women journalists having to be moved because of threats. Social media platforms, messaging apps and discussion sites are used to spread hate and misogyny against women journalists by perpetrators hiding behind anonymous accounts.

Content that expresses hate against women and girls is now shared beyond national borders in the ‘Manosphere’ and the male ‘Incel’ community which expands the range of unsafe spaces for women. This is concerning because the digital space is often lauded for its ability to allow for self-expression to all, regardless of status and identity.

However, the digital space is now replicating the real world and is increasingly unsafe for women as it has become a breeding ground for a range of exclusionary and violent discourses and beliefs, expressed and disseminated in a context of anonymity and impunity.

Cyberbullying joins an already long list of women’s struggles in the media. Despite women journalists contributing a lot to the media industry, from reporting from the front lines of warzones to ensuring citizens are kept informed this year – where over 60 countries will hold elections – they are still not safe from harm. They face bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace from bosses, peers, and employees who report to them and interview subjects which makes it difficult for them to do their job effectively. Women are still fighting to be paid the same as their peers with gender pay gaps increasing globally.

Women are regularly passed over for promotion in preference of their male peers. This has added to the increasing underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles in newsrooms and beyond. The exclusion from leadership positions in media means women’s voices, the majority in the SA population, are missing which has a negative impact on how women’s stories are covered and the kinds of narratives around gender and gender inequality that make it onto the front pages. Even when women do have senior positions, they are often not allowed to make decisions which further dilutes their ability to contribute to gender advocacy narratives.

South Africa was initially leading in women’s representation in the newsroom but has recently been found to be regressing. Reuters Institute research found that in 2020 South Africa had 60% women in leadership in media, while in 2024 the number has dropped to 20%.

Legal journalist, Karyn Maughn, is one of the women journalists who has experienced numerous incidents of real-world and cyber harassment in South Africa. Most recently, she was attacked in a purported “opinion piece” published in the Sunday Independent. The piece went beyond a publication giving a platform to someone to air their views but was a malicious and violent attack on Maughn for simply doing her job as a journalist. The accompanying picture/graphic on the article had a gun pointed at her image, which was a clear indication of its intention to incite violence against her.

Incitement of violence violates the press code and should be taken seriously by all concerned about media freedom. External opinion needs to be based on fact and not be malicious or breach the press code.

This International Women’s Day, we are further outraged by the long-suffering of journalists, particularly female journalists in Gaza. For five months, journalists have been subjected to harsh, unthinkable conditions as they seek to tell the story of the war they are living through.

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
  • 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

 

Media Freedom Site Wide Image

Sanef calls on the Competition Commission’s MDPMI to get Big Techs to compensate media for content

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04 March 2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) on Monday made an impassioned submission at the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI), initiated by the Competition Commission of South Africa (Commission), as the three-week inquiry kicked off in Pretoria on Monday 4 March 2024.

SANEF, represented by chairperson Sbu Ngalwa, founding member Guy Berger, and legal representative, Michael Power, asked the Commission to strongly consider getting Big Tech to look at fair compensation for using South African media content.

The presentations were also made by Chris Mcinga and Izak Minnaar, largely speaking on behalf of community media and the Press Council of SA. The Commission told SANEF that “X” (formerly Twitter) has declined to appear before the commission. This is an unfortunate development and a missed opportunity as pointed out by Glenda Daniels, secretary-general of SANEF, that misogyny, bullying, and harassment of women journalists was widespread on the platform. At the same time X has been unresponsive to calls to take down malicious content targeted at women journalists – including threats of rape, doxing and trolling.

SANEF’s submission covered the following points:

  • The provision of access to credible news as a public good should be considered as a human rights issue, not only as a matter of commercial competition
  • Fair compensation for news in the public interest used on platforms should be based on the value that platforms derive from this content
  • Credible news (i.e. subscribing to an independent self-regulatory body and an ethical code) should be prioritised by platforms. It is an antidote for mis- and disinformation
  • Transparency of algorithms and sharing of data related to news content and related advertising on platforms should be promoted, as well as access to data that publishers can use to promote and monetise their content

Access the Supplementary Submission: Supplementary oral remarks to Competition Commission

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
Partners Site Wide Image

Sanef to present at the Competition Commission’s MDPMI

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01 March 2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) will on Monday morning make an oral presentation to the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI), initiated by the Competition Commission of South Africa (Commission).

The hearing will be at the Commission’s offices in Sunnyside, Tshwane.

SANEF has been invited by the Commission after submitting a series of written submissions during the Inquiry process.

SANEF’s presentation will touch on:

  • Constitutional rights and access to credible news​
  • Trends in news media and revenue generation for news media​
  • Consumer choice and the participation of SMEs and HDPs in the online distribution of news​
  • The impact of mis- and disinformation​
  • Additional matters, including transparency and AI

Details of the Presentation

Where: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Campus, Block D, 77 Meintjies St, Sunnyside, Tshwane

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

After the Q&A session (12:00 – 1:00 pm), Sbu Ngalwa, Guy Berger, and SANEF’s legal representative, Michael Power, will be available for interviews.

The hearing will be open to the public and live-streamed by the Commission.

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
  • 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

 

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