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G20-linked AI for Africa Conference Debate Information Integrity

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SANEF’s Western Cape convenor Prof Sisanda Nkoala carried the flag of the organisation, in moderating an expert panel on information integrity at the G20-linked AI for Africa conference in Cape Town on 1 October.

She recalled that the theme of information integrity was at the heart of the M20 summit organised by SANEF and MMA on September 2 and 3. 

“Without information integrity at the core of our digital interactions, our societies and communities risk being manipulated and destabilised. In this era where we are flooded with content, the need to reassert the truth and trust for information integrity has never been more urgent,” said Prof Nkoala,

The panel assessed the seriousness of the threat of deepfakes to Africa, and covered how media and others are responding to it. Speakers noted that the official G20 Chair’s statements preceding the conference had acknowledged the contributions of the M20 to the G20 ministerial deliberations.  Coincidentally, the week of the session saw former Finance Minister Trevor Manual actively dissociate himself after being deepfaked around scam investment advice.

Panelist, Churchill Otieno, Chair of the African Editors Forum, highlighted the problems of Generative AI impostering real journalists to scam the public. Quick response is needed to protect journalists who are victims of deepfakes, he said.

He told how African journalists are using AI tools to work more efficiently, such as in fact-checking but added that they needed time to pursue verification.  The African Editors Forum, which includes SANEF, was urging members to label use of AI-generated content in order to promote trust, said Otieno. 

Highlighting how news producers should respond to the fake online content, he argued: “Journalists should follow the mantra: they go low, we go high.” 

Prof Herman Wasserman of the Centre for Information Integrity in Africa at the University of Stellenbosch reviewed the wider ecosystem of disinformation that includes less-sophisticated tools than deepfakes, with false content also circulating on WhatsApp, by word-of-mouth and in some media outlets. 

He noted the problem of governments clamping down on free expression, and factors like social reluctance to correct elders or religious leaders, which exacerbate the sharing of false content. 

Although deepfakes are currently just one part of disinformation, technology is moving fast, pointed out panelist Dr Victor Shale of South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission.  

He warned that election management bodies need increasingly to be able to respond rapidly to disinformation attacks on their work and on their personnel.  “AI developments mean there is also a need to augment and align the Principles and Guidelines for the use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa”, he added.

Director of Communications at the African Union Commission, Leslie Richer highlighted the emerging AU Continental Framework on Information Integrity, Digital, Media, and Information Literacy (MIL), and the need to promote critical thinking right from the lowest levels of education. 

Representing the 47-member Network of African National Human Rights Institutions, Dr Eileen Carter urged collaboration between policy-makers, media, civil society and the private sector, and outreach to grassroots people, to advance digital literacy and accountability.  Whereas disinformation in some contexts was seen as a threat to individual privacy and autonomy, in Africa collective rights were at stake, she said. 

Speaking from the audience, UNESCO’s Tawfik Jelassi said his organisation will convene a global conference on information integrity in Pretoria. He further signalled UNESCO’s Social Media 4 Peace project in South Africa in which SANEF is a participant. 

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SANEF Calls on Journalists and Editors to Prioritise Mental Wellness on World Mental Health Day

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10 October 2025

As the world marks World Mental Health Day, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is calling on journalists and editors to actively prioritise their mental wellness and that of their teams.

In recognition of the growing pressures facing news professionals, SANEF has developed two new step-by-step guides, one on Managing Exposure to Traumatic Stories and another on Responding to Threats Against Journalists. These practical tools are designed to help journalists and editors navigate trauma, harassment, and burnout, and to strengthen newsroom support systems.

SANEF notes that the demands placed on journalists, both in South Africa and globally, have reached unprecedented levels. “The combination of shrinking newsrooms, increased workloads, tighter budgets, and cyber harassment has created a ‘news cyclone’ that affects both mental and physical health,” Said SANEF’s Wellness and Safety Committee Chair, Katy Katopodis.

“Safety and well-being are not optional extras; they are fundamental to media freedom and the sustainability of good journalism in a democracy,” added Katopodis.

Freelancers, in particular, remain acutely vulnerable, often working without employer support or medical aid cover. SANEF reiterates its commitment to supporting journalists through practical safety measures, peer networks, and access to professional help.

These principles are echoed in the M20 Johannesburg Declaration, which SANEF helped draft ahead of the inaugural M20 Media Summit in September 2025, an independent media initiative held alongside South Africa’s hosting of the G20. The Declaration, endorsed by over 64 media organisations globally, calls on media companies to ensure the safety of journalists and to develop gender-aware safety protocols to counter online and physical violence. Read the declaration here: https://media20.org/2025/09/02/m20-johannesburg-declaration/

Journalists carry enormous responsibility in telling our nation’s stories, often under immense personal and professional strain. Protecting their mental health is not just a matter of compassion; it is an investment in truth and accountability.

SANEF encourages all editors, newsroom leaders, and freelancers to adopt the new mental wellness and safety guides and to embed these principles into newsroom culture.

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, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za

Annual Fundraiser

Patrice Motsepe to Deliver Keynote Address at SANEF Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner

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South Africa’s celebrated billionaire businessman and football administrator, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, will deliver the keynote address at the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner this weekend in Johannesburg.

This year’s event, hosted in proud partnership with Absa as the platinum sponsor, brings together a dynamic gathering of leaders and visionaries in the form of editors, journalists, corporate executives, policymakers, and civil society representatives, all united by a common cause of defending press freedom and strengthening democracy.

As South Africa marks 31 years of democracy, the gala will unfold under the theme “Guardians of Democracy: Upholding Integrity in a Changing World.” The evening will not only celebrate the resilience of the country’s media but will also serve as a powerful call to action to safeguard truth and accountability in an era defined by disinformation and rapid technological change.

Dr. Motsepe’s address is expected to set an inspiring tone for the evening. Known for his visionary leadership in business, philanthropy, and sports administration, Motsepe’s commitment to ethical governance and social progress mirrors SANEF’s mission to uphold journalistic integrity and protect the public’s right to know. His participation underscores the vital relationship between a free press, responsible leadership, and a thriving democracy.

The SANEF Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner is the organisation’s flagship event, commemorating Black Wednesday, the tragic day in 1977 when the apartheid regime brutally suppressed media freedom by banning newspapers and journalists. Today, the gala stands as a solemn reminder of those struggles and a rallying point to defend the hard-won gains of democracy.

Funds raised through the event support SANEF’s Media Defence Fund, which provides critical legal assistance in cases threatening press freedom. Contributions also sustain SANEF’s work in policy advocacy, research, and training, nurturing ethical, diverse, and independent journalism across South Africa.

Last year’s keynote by Justice Mahube Betty Molemela, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, powerfully reaffirmed the constitutional role of the media. This year, with Dr. Motsepe’s presence, SANEF expects to deepen the national conversation on integrity, leadership, and accountability in both business and journalism.

By sponsoring or attending the gala, companies and institutions demonstrate their commitment to democracy, good governance, and transparency. They gain access to an influential network of media leaders and decision-makers who shape public discourse in South Africa.

As SANEF and its partners gather under one roof, the evening will not only celebrate freedom, but it will also reaffirm a shared pledge to keep democracy alive through truth, integrity, and fearless journalism.

ENDS

Media Freedom Site Wide Image

SANEF Condemns Mkhwanazi’s Attack Against the Media

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08 October 2025

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns in the strongest terms comments made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Tuesday night during the sitting of a parliamentary ad-hoc committee investigating his whistle blowing allegations.

Mkhwanazi deviated from his witness statement and launched an extraordinary attack on media freedom by asking the ad-hoc committee, as well as joint standing committee on intelligence, to task the state security apparatus to conduct a counterintelligence investigation against the South African news media.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mkhwanazi doubled down on his stance, and called for “heavy penalties” for journalists who err in their reporting.

This would represent a significant setback for media freedom in South Africa, reminiscent of the oppressive tactics employed by the Apartheid state to suppress truthful journalism.

This is a chilling attack on the Constitutional rights to a free press. We hope this will be publicly condemned by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, as unwarranted and an unsubstantiated overreach of his powers.

The context surrounding this unprecedented attack hinges on media reports on the activities of Crime Intelligence and, more specifically, reports on the findings of a report by the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) which recommends that Masemola should face criminal and disciplinary charges for approving the purchase of properties worth a collective R120 million by Crime Intelligence.

It also recommended charges against suspended head of Crime Intelligence, Major-General Dumisani Khumalo and suspended chief financial officer of Crime Intelligence, Major-General Philani Lushaba, for gross financial misconduct.

Mkhwanazi stated in the ad hoc committee that specific journalists should be targeted, including staff from Sunday Times, City Press and News24.

Mkhwanazi claimed the IGI report that News24 had reported on was classified, and he maintained that the secrecy of Crime Intelligence’s operations was sacrosanct. He also questioned whether Crime Intelligence should be interrogated in open sessions of parliamentary committees. He said that even if there were alleged corrupt activities by Crime Intelligence, they needed to be investigated in secret, because revealing their activities would destabilise the country.

The media are protected from having to divulge their sources, a public interest protection that is given precedent in the high court’s rulings in Bosasa vs Basson (2012), and SABC vs Avusa (2010).

These threats against journalists and their sources, and any moves to investigate the media are intimidation tactics to protect the allegedly corrupt, and prevent legitimate journalistic work, in the public interest, to expose them.

Crime Intelligence is not above the law. Over the past two decades, journalists have been at the forefront of exposing the abuse of the so-called secret slush fund in the CI. The context here is also that journalists, whistleblowers, investigators, lawyers, accountants, auditors, liquidators, and activists are either harassed or assassinated for uncovering nefarious activities.

Minister Cachalia and Commissioner Masemola must condemn any attempts to undermine the Constitutionally guaranteed freedom of our media, to target whistleblowers and to hide alleged corruption from the public. Failure to do so will herald the destruction of any semblance of democratic process in our country and will push us further into a country where unchecked power can no longer be interrogated.

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, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za

 

Media Freedom Site Wide Image

SANEF Launches Campaign: “Overdue Appointment with the President”

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has launched a campaign titled “Appointment with the President”, coinciding with World News Day (28 September). This campaign calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to honour an overdue appointment with the people of South Africa through the media.

The idea is simple: it is time for the President to sit down with editors and senior journalists in an open, candid engagement, as is the case all over the world in democratic countries.  For too long, that seat at the table has been left empty.

We say this with a heavy dose of frustration. The last time President Ramaphosa held such an engagement was in 2020/21, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, he laid out a vision to steer the nation out of a health crisis and pledged to fight corruption. Four years later, silence from the Union Buildings has become deafening, yet it’s the year that SA hosts the G20 Summit and the National Dialogue.

Since beginning his second term, the President has avoided sustained, direct dialogue with the nation’s editors. In this avoidant behaviour  he has missed opportunities to clearly articulate his vision for a country which is battling severe socio-economic hardship, entrenched corruption, escalating crime, and a deepening service delivery crisis.

South Africans deserve clarity. Journalists deserve access. Democracy demands both.

Hosting the World, Avoiding His Own

The irony is impossible to miss as South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit in November 2025, a historic moment that will place President Ramaphosa alongside leaders of the world’s most powerful economies. The President will find time for dialogue with global counterparts, yet has not granted his own editors and journalists the courtesy of such a conversation.

SANEF Chairperson Makhudu Sefara put it plainly: “It is unfathomable that the President avoids the very platforms that allow him to explain himself and his government to the citizens of South Africa. At a time when he is leading a Government of National Unity and presiding over a once-in-a-generation diplomatic opportunity, the least he can do is face the journalists of his nation.”

Antony Sguazzin of the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of Southern Africa and Africa Senior Reporter Bloomberg News in Johannesburg said: “Regular dialogue with the foreign media would go a long way to explaining transparently how South Africa’s president aims to fulfil his stated aims of reviving a struggling economy, recapacitating the country’s law enforcement services and how he plans to navigate the turbulent geopolitics he finds his country in.”

World News Day: A Rallying Point

This campaign aligns with World News Day 2025, when more than 100 countries, hundreds of news organisations, and thousands of journalists reaffirm their commitment to credible, ethical, and impactful journalism.

Branko Brkic, Founder of Project Kontinuum and Co-Founder of Daily Maverick, describes the day as: “a rallying point. If you’re an editor or publisher, you can make a difference. Lend your platform, share the message, highlight your best work, and spread our determination.”

David Walmsley, Editor-in-Chief of The Globe and Mail, President of the World Editors Forum and Founder of World News Day, echoes this sentiment: “Journalism is the line for quality information. At our best, we are brave, independent, insatiably curious, and resolute in the pursuit of the truth. World News Day is a chance to show audiences why that work matters.”

Why an “Appointment with the President”?

The President’s silence is not a minor irritation for journalists; it is a disservice to the public. Leaders are judged not only by the policies they adopt but also by their willingness to communicate openly with the people they serve.

When presidents go silent, rumours grow louder. When they avoid the press, speculation replaces clarity. And when they dodge accountability, trust in both government and democracy erodes.

SANEF’s call is clear: it is time for an “Appointment with the President.” Not a courtesy visit or a once-off handshake, but a serious, regular dialogue with the media.

We make this call in good faith, not as adversaries but as professionals committed to truth, fairness, and South Africa’s constitutional mandate for media freedom. Our newsrooms stand ready to provide credible, balanced platforms for national conversation, spaces where truth matters more than spin.

This call also resonates with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which joins the international community today in marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The Commission has consistently stressed that democracy cannot function meaningfully without an informed citizenry, and this is impossible without broad access to information about government processes, procedures, and decision-making.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that “every individual shall have the right to receive information.” This right is equally recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

A Call to Newsrooms and Citizens

We urge colleagues across South Africa’s newsrooms to mark World News Day and the International Day for Universal Access to Information by recommitting to fairness, accuracy, and accountability. Showcase your best journalism. Remind audiences that fact-based reporting remains democracy’s strongest safeguard.

To the South African public, we urge you to support journalism. Prioritise facts over misinformation, integrity over disinformation, and verified truth over rumours. Your trust, readership, and engagement are the strongest defences against manipulation.

As South Africa prepares to welcome the world through the G20 Summit, SANEF insists that leadership must begin at home with honesty, transparency, and dialogue. The first step is simple: keep your appointment, Mr President. The nation is waiting – and so are we, journalists and editors.

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, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za

 

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SANEF Council Reflects on G20, Media20, and Media Integrity

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SANEF members attending 2025 Council in Sandton JHB

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its Council meeting held on 20 September 2025 in Johannesburg. The meeting brought together editors and senior journalists from across the country to deliberate on key issues affecting journalism in South Africa and the wider global media community.

A major focus of discussions was the forthcoming G20 Heads of State Summit, which South Africa will host in Johannesburg on 22–23 November 2025 under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The Council engaged extensively on how the Summit and its outcomes will impact the media on the continent and globally, noting the urgent need for journalists to take the initiative in shaping debates on transparency, accountability, and information integrity.

The Council also reviewed the phenomenally successful Media20 (M20) Summit, co-hosted by SANEF and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), the first of its kind in G20 history. SANEF expressed deep pride in convening such a landmark event of international significance, and extended appreciation to Alt Advisory for its secretariat role, South Africa’s B20 circle, and numerous sponsors and partners from around the world whose support made the M20 possible.

SANEF called on editors, particularly its members, to:

  • Publish content on the M20 Johannesburg Declaration and its policy briefs.
  • Bring these issues to the attention of newsrooms and audiences.
  • Endorse and circulate the Declaration widely.
  • Critically assess how forthcoming statements from the G20 Digital Ministers (end of September) and G20 Leaders (November) respond to the concerns raised by the M20.

To maintain momentum, SANEF will publish the M20 Summit Report, including the Johannesburg Declaration and policy briefs to be released on 28 September 2025, aligning with World News Day and the UN International Day for Universal Access to Information.

On the same day, SANEF will launch a national campaign urging the Presidency to align with its G20 Summit leadership expectations, aiming to improve access to information by openly engaging with the media and addressing key questions on the country’s political, social, and economic direction.

SANEF also confirmed that it will actively promote the Declaration and its issues at several upcoming forums, including the G20/AU AI Conference and FIFAfrica later this month, October Media Freedom Week, and the African Investigative Journalism Conference in November. A formal handover of the Declaration to the South African government is being planned, alongside follow-up engagements with Communications Minister Solly Malatsi, B20 chair Cas Coovadia, the G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation, and the Digital Economy Working Group.

At an international advisory group meeting following the M20 Summit, the following framework was adopted:

  • Vision: To foster a world where media freedom and trustworthy information are sustained, protected, and promoted through collaborative national, regional, and global policy engagements—particularly by leveraging Global South expertise and coalitions.
  • Mission: To build and sustain a collaborative network of media and information organisations that delivers structured and coordinated action, ensuring the M20 evolves as a dynamic platform aligned with—or critically reflecting on—G20 priorities.

SANEF affirmed its commitment to advancing these objectives and influencing G20 policy through targeted international collaboration.

The Council also deliberated on developments at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, noting recent remarks by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi suggesting possible journalists’ involvement in factional battles within the South African Police Service (SAPS). SANEF reiterated its unequivocal condemnation of unethical practices, including cheque-book journalism, which compromise the credibility of the profession. At the same time, SANEF urged all stakeholders, including political leaders, to provide credible evidence before making allegations, so that media houses can act decisively and fairly. Unsubstantiated accusations against journalists are equally damaging and will not be tolerated.

SANEF reaffirms its commitment to ethical journalism, accountability, and press freedom, and will continue to play a leading role in shaping both the national and international media landscape.

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, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za

Obituaries Site Wide Image

SANEF Saddened by the Passing of Multimedia Journalist, Sebabatso Mosamo

22 September 2025

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the passing of talented photojournalist Sebabatso Mosamo, who worked for the international news agency Associated Press (AP).

Mosamo (39), fondly referred to as ‘Sebs’, passed away on Saturday at a Johannesburg hospital, after a short illness.

Mosamo, a Wits University graduate, was a senior multi-media journalist and foreign correspondent. She was such an all-rounder – she did everything from print to radio, photography, videography, and digital.

Media titles she has worked for include Daily Sun, Eyewitness News, Sunday Times, and Mail & Guardian, and she has previously freelanced for several other publications. She joined AP in 2021 as a visual journalist.

Lynne Mosamo, Sebabatso’s mother, said: “We are grieving the loss of a life cut at its prime. As the Mosamo family, we have lost a rock, a beloved daughter, a dependable sister, and a beautiful friend and colleague. A creative and hard worker, who took so much pride in her work and family.  We were still expecting to see you fly even higher, spreading your fiery spirit, sharing your kindness and your straightforwardness.  We are at a loss for words, and our hearts are shattered. You will forever be in our hearts, and we are comforted by the knowledge that you are now at peace.”

Nqobile Ntshangase, Sebabatso’s colleague at AP, said: “She was such an amazing colleague and had such a bright future. My thoughts are with her family and friends in the media in this tragic moment.”

Dinesh Balliah, director of the Wits Centre of Journalism, said: “Sebs spent two years at the Wits Centre for Journalism, where she took on the role of news photography lecturer and mentor. Teaching a class full of young women who had few women photographers to look up to, she was quickly embraced by her students.

“She was gentle with her young charges, both in the classroom and in the field, and continued to look out for the Wits Vuvuzela journalists long after she had left their newsroom.

As mothers, we connected over our love for our girls, and I am heartbroken for her young daughter, who has lost not only a mom but a fierce role model who broke barriers through her work.”

Sebs has been praised for the several big stories she has covered, such as the Marikana massacre, elections, and news events related to COVID-19.

In some of these assignments, she worked closely with Felix Dlangamandla, an award-winning photographer: “I’m heartbroken by the loss of Sebabatso. Working with her was a true privilege; her passion and kindness touched everyone around her. I will always remember the energy she brought into our work and the person she was. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this painful time. May her soul rest in peace.”

News24’s Alex Patrick said: “Sebabatso and I worked together at the Sunday Times and thereafter in the field. I last saw her in August, when she said she had been suffering from a cold she couldn’t shake.

Sebs was an enthusiastic, intelligent, and exceptionally gifted photojournalist. Her images often captured the heart of the subject. She was great with people, funny, and very likeable. She was often blunt and spoke candidly during interviews. She was brave and did not need direction; she was always there for the best moments. But moreover, she was an excellent friend to anyone who knew her.

We worked together during Covid and spent a lot of time in the cold in townships, where we witnessed people standing in queues for food and the knock-on effects of the lockdown.”

Thato Sithole, a friend and former colleague at Daily Sun, said: My friend, my birthday partner, my sister. Where do I begin? Words can never express how much I value our friendship. You were such a burst of light, and love and energy in my life from the moment I met you 18 years ago. From our Dros to Bassline dates to dealing with serious adulting. You inspired me in every way, a powerhouse, a work horse, an amazing mother, a caring and naturing friend, a humble soul. I will miss our calls, visits and that bright smile. The dancing, the laughter we shared and all the love you always gave. Rest in POWER my love. I will always love you.

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:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za

Nat Nakasa Awards Site Wide Image

SANEF Honours Courageous Journalists at the 2025 Nat Nakasa Awards

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) tonight honoured outstanding examples of journalistic bravery at the 2025 Nat Nakasa Awards for Courageous Journalism, hosted at a gala dinner in Johannesburg and proudly sponsored by Sanlam.

The overall winner of the 2025 Nat Nakasa Award for Courageous Journalism was Khaya Koko, for his fearless investigative series, Power Connect, which exposed systemic corruption within Johannesburg’s City Power.

Congratulating the winners, SANEF Chairperson Makhudu Sefara said:
“The courage displayed by this year’s winners in the face of threats and intimidation reflects the very essence of journalism’s profession. Their work mirrors the theme of this year’s awards: ‘Guardians of Democracy: Upholding Integrity in a Changing World.’ This theme is both a tribute and a challenge. It reminds us that journalists are not merely chroniclers of daily events but guardians of democracy itself. They stand as a shield for society, ensuring that truth is exposed and justice is pursued in the same way Nat Nakasa did.”

Shadi Chauke, Sanlam Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, added:
“As a long-standing supporter of journalism, Sanlam recognises that the Nat Nakasa Awards encourage the pursuit of excellence and truth, affirming our conviction that journalism is not just an occupation — it is a calling to uphold our society’s integrity. In honouring Nat Nakasa’s memory through these awards, Sanlam appreciates that courageous journalism is the backbone of a free society and empowers citizens with knowledge, fuels informed debate, and safeguards democracy itself.”

In announcing the awards, the judging panel reflected: “That many are called but few are chosen is as true today as when it was first uttered more than two thousand years ago.”

This year, SANEF received more than 40 nominations from mainstream and community journalists working across print, broadcast, and online platforms. Less than 20 reached the final stage of adjudication, as many failed to meet the central criterion of demonstrating “Nakasa-type” courage – namely, a fearless commitment to truth-telling in the service of the public despite threats, intimidation, or personal risk.

The panel of Judges, chaired by Moipone Malefane, and includes Veterans Joe Thloloe, Peter Sullivan and Crystal Orderson, said Koko’s work was distinguished by the depth of his investigation and the extraordinary personal courage with which he pursued his story despite escalating threats.

As his reporting advanced, he was subjected to surveillance outside his home, attempts at bribery, and the public release of his private details in an effort to discredit him. Powerful individuals attempted to intimidate his colleagues and silence him. For weeks, he required a bodyguard, yet his resolve never faltered.

Even as his wife was expecting their first child, Koko carried the burden of constant fear for his family’s safety. Despite the emotional and psychological toll, he continued to uncover how public funds earmarked for essential services were siphoned off through corruption. His courage and perseverance exemplify the highest traditions of journalism: service to the public interest, commitment to truth, and resilience under fire.

Koko was nominated by at least four eminent journalists, including two past recipients of the Nat Nakasa Award.

On the Nat Nakasa Community Media Award, the judges presented the 2025 Nat Nakasa Community Media Award to Shirley Govender, publisher of Globe Post, Orange Farm News, and Walkerville & Savanna City Times.

Armed with only a pen and paper in March 1992, Govender began speaking out against the Group Areas Act and the systemic denial of basic services to township residents. At a time marked by political violence, betrayal, and collapsing infrastructure, she defied state propaganda and harassment.

As a young activist publisher, she was repeatedly harassed, evicted from her home, and even arrested in front of her children. Despite these trials, she never relented. Over the past 33 years, Govender has continued to print her publications without fail, providing vital information and a voice to the marginalised. Her resilience and consistency symbolise the spirit of community journalism in South Africa.

The legacy of Nat Nakasa

The awards honour the memory of Nat Nakasa (1937–1965), a pioneering South African journalist who wrote for Drum magazine, became the first black columnist at the Rand Daily Mail, and founded the African literary journal The Classic. Known for his integrity and courage, Nakasa died in exile in New York at just 28 years old. His short but dynamic career remains an enduring symbol of journalistic bravery and dedication to truth.

SANEF awarded its in-house Stephen Wrottesley Award to Sibusiso Ngalwa in recognition of his exceptional dedication and service to SANEF during times of challenge.

As a two-time SANEF chairperson and active member, Ngalwa has demonstrated consistent leadership and a tireless commitment to strengthening both SANEF and the African Editors’ Forum (TAEF), where he serves as treasurer. His extensive travels across the continent have furthered the mission of fostering sustainable journalism.

This year, his leadership was pivotal in the resounding success of SANEF’s M20 event, which not only showcased the organisation’s vision but also bolstered its financial stability. His steady pursuit of SANEF’s goals and unwavering service to the profession mark him as a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

Conclusion

The 2025 Nat Nakasa Awards once again underscored the central role of journalism in protecting democracy. By honouring courageous journalists such as Khaya Koko, Shirley Govender, and Sibusiso Ngalwa, SANEF affirms its commitment to defending press freedom and upholding the principles for which Nat Nakasa himself lived and died.

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, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za

Media Freedom Site Wide Image

SANEF Condemns SAPS’ Heavy-Handed Actions Leading to Journalist Injury

,

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) strongly condemns the heavy-handed and insensitive actions of the South African Police Service (SAPS) during a protest in Westbury, which resulted in journalist Ms. Julia Evans being wounded by a rubber bullet on Wednesday.

Evans, a reporter for the Daily Maverick, was on the scene documenting the concerns of community members, many of whom were struggling with severe water shortages. In an alarming turn of events, SAPS deployed a flashbang and began firing rubber bullets allegedly without any prior warning, putting the lives of residents, demonstrators, and journalists alike at risk.

According to Evans’ first-hand account, she experienced the chaotic and dangerous aftermath of this police action as she was caught in the crossfire, sustaining an injury to her leg. This incident underscores a disturbing pattern of excessive force used by law enforcement in situations involving civilians and journalists exercising their right to do their job of reporting.

SANEF is particularly concerned about the lack of communication and the violation of the rights of individuals, both residents and members of the press, who were present at the protest. Evans’ experience is a stark reminder of the critical need for police to prioritise de-escalation strategies and to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially those exercising their right to free speech.

Furthermore, it is vital for the media to highlight these issues, and we must defend the rights of journalists who strive to keep the public informed.

SANEF calls on SAPS to investigate this incident thoroughly and to implement measures to prevent the recurrence of similar situations in the future and vigilantly uphold the principles of democracy and press freedom.

ENDS

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, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za

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