SANEF mourns the death of journalist, broadcaster and poet Sandile Dikeni who hails from the Karoo hamlet of Victoria West.
According to his sister Nomonde, Dikeni who hails from the Karoo hamlet of Victoria West, died on Saturday, after an on-off battle with TB.
Well known for his poems, such as “Guava Juice” and “The Spear”, Dikeni inspired crowds in their numbers during the struggle against Apartheid. Later, he was appointed the arts editor of the Cape Times and editor of Die Suid-Afrikaan and he was a political editor for This Day SA. He once served as the spokesperson for the South African Minister of Housing.
Dikeni studied law at Wits and UWC where he was on the SRC, and later graduated with a National Diploma of Journalism from Pentech (today called Cape Peninsula University of Technology, CPUT).
According to Ruby Marks – who was a student with Dikeni at UWC, Dikeni was commonly known as the “Child of the Karoo, beacon of the oppressed, and poet of the People”.
The news of his untimely death has shocked many in the media fraternity as it has taken place soon after the burial of seasoned broadcaster Xolani Gwala this weekend.
Dikeni’s friends remember him as a journalist who reflected the zeitgeist of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, who went on to write about this country’s difficult transition into democracy working for the TRC and bore witness to all that remained and still must be resolved.
SANEF sends condolences to the families, friends and political struggle compatriots of Mr Dikeni. He will be sorely missed.
For more information contact:
Janet Heard – SANEF Western Cape SANEF Convenor, 0780419528
Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom, Acting Chair – 082 379 4957
The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) has decided on 06 November 2019 to not appeal the Equality Court’s judgment in the complaint against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Mr Julius Malema.
After careful consideration and legal advice, SANEF accepts, with the benefit of hindsight, that the Equality Court was not the appropriate forum to air our concerns. We take note of the judgment that hate speech is very explicitly targeted against a person’s inherent features as prescribed by the Constitution.
Although SANEF finds certain aspects of the judgment problematic, we are pleased that the court has acknowledged the importance of protecting journalists. Judge Molefe stated that “it is thus incumbent on all organs of State, including the judiciary, to not only have regard to, but to take positive steps to protect the safety and independence of journalists”. We trust that state institutions, including the SAPS, and legislators have taken note of this.
SANEF maintains that the intimidation and harassment of journalists, in person or on social media, is unlawful. We encourage journalists targeted with threats and abuse that in any way endangers them or prohibits them from effectively doing their jobs to come to us.
For SANEF, this is not the end of the road in protecting journalists against hateful comments and intimidation. We intend to pursue all appropriate remedies available in terms of the law, including interdictory relief and criminal recourse. We will also continue to engage with political parties in our pursuit to agree on code for engagement between journalists and politicians in a Constitutional democracy.
SANEF pays tribute on 1 November 2019 to much loved and respected journalist and broadcaster Xolani Gwala who died in the early hours of this morning. His family announced news of his death. Our sympathies go out to his family, friends, colleagues and radio and television audiences.
He was 44. He hails from Impendle outside in KwaZulu Natal and has been working in the industry for over two decades. Xolani started his news career at the SABC in KZN in the early 90s, then went on to host current affairs show at SAFM, Johannesburg, his TV Show on SABC and finally went on to 702 to host his Talk Show.
He was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in 2017 and fought a brave battle up until his death. Friends and colleagues took to twitter and social media to pay tribute to this much-loved broadcast personality thanking him for his immense contribution to our news and broadcast industry and his indelible impression, he made to so many journalists and broadcasters.
SANEF Chair Mahlatse Mahlase said: “Xolani had a special pedigree. He was a hard-hitting broadcaster but respectful to his guests. He always got the answers without being rude. He loved radio, and he believed in its power to hold those in authority accountable and as a vehicle for South Africans to talk”.
She said Gwala was a great human being even off-air. “He was the ultimate gentleman, friendly, cared about his colleagues, and he had that infectious laugh that calmed everyone and anchored his success on team success.”
Mahlase recalled that the last project they did together involve Gwala’s interview with President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he asked difficult but necessary questions. “His brave fight against cancer inspires us, and he was courageous. He loved South Africa. We lost a lover of democracy,” Mahlase concluded.
SANEF acting chairperson Katy Katopodis, a former colleague and long-time friend of Gwala, said his death is a huge loss for the industry. “He was a veteran broadcaster, the ultimate professional and a giant of a man. He was loved by many and was always firm but fair with all his interviews. He leaves a beautiful legacy in the SA media industry.
“All will miss his velvety voice and gorgeous laugh.”
Judy Sandison, former Editor SABC Radio News in KwaZulu-Natal said Xolani started his news career as a freelance bulletin producer/ presenter on Radio Zulu (Ukhozi FM) in the mid-90s in Durban.
“He soon proved his mettle and was appointed on the permanent team. He was always up for a challenge and had such an engaging personality both on and off-air. His popularity with audiences kept increasing as he embraced the opportunities for multi-skilling.
Sandison, who is SANEF KwaZulu Natal Regional Convenor, said: “We were pioneering with talented young journalists. He soon turned his hand to producing and presenting both news bulletins and current affairs shows, as well doing field reporting in English and isiZulu from the province, for SABC radio news countrywide. He was also the first black journalist to read a news bulletin on the SABCs radio Lotus.”
Mary Papayya, former SABC Executive Producer and News Editor & SANEF founding editor described him as a “one of a kind journalist”.
“Xolani was a consummate professional and ethical to the core. He was a rare breed of journalist who cared for more than just the story. For him, issues of racial diversity, the transformation of the newsroom and diversity in storytelling (language and narrative) and imperatives of human voices were important elements of the news. He was a feisty anchor who held those in power accountable. He was part of a core of young black journalists whom I mentored, and we debated at length on critical matters of transformation and ethical decision making. As an Executive Producer and News Editor at the SABC in the early 90s (as part of the team to transform the news and the SABC) he held us all in leadership accountable.”
SANEF sends condolences to the families, friends and followers of Mr Gwala. Everyone who knew him will sorely miss him, and the world is indeed a lesser place without him.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) met today, 31 October, with Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, to discuss his comments that he bribed journalists at the Sunday World newspaper.
Members of the SANEF Management Committee and the editor of the Sunday World, Makhudu Sefara, a SANEF member, were in attendance. Mantashe was accompanied by his special advisors, chief of staff & media liaison officer.
The meeting was robust and difficult as the events of the past 5 days were discussed.
As SANEF we reiterated the damage the allegations have done to not only the Sunday World but to the whole industry. “Paid for” or so-called “brown envelope” is gutter journalism, and an assault to media ethics.
The new editor-in-chief of the Sunday World, Makhudu Sefara explained that the allegations have created a reputational crisis for the weekly paper.
The Minister’s initial statement that he bribed journalists and then his withdrawal of this claim has threatened the invaluable trust relationship necessary between the publication and readers – but also amongst the Sunday World and its journalists. Sefara has been forced to subject all his staff to lie-detector tests.
After the robust discussion, Minister Mantashe confirmed the following:
– That he had stated that he had bribed journalists – confirming that the statements attributed to him in the Sunday World were correct.
– He, however, denied bribing journalists. He insists there was never a meeting with the paper’s journalists and an exchange of money.
– He, however, said that he will subject himself to the full processes of the
Kathy Satchwell Inquiry into Media Ethics and Credibility to explain the circumstances that led to him making the statement.
SANEF chairperson, Mahlatse Mahlase requested that the Minister apologise to the nation, journalists at Sunday World, and the industry for the damage, pain and confusion he has caused by making the serious allegations that he had bribed journalists.
“Our reporters feel he must apologise not just to the paper, but for causing pain and trauma in their lives, Sefara said.
SANEF urges the Minister that when he approaches the Satchwell commission he makes a statement under oath.
SANEF will await the outcomes of the Satchwell ethics and credibility inquiry on the matter.
We continue to encourage members of the public to make submissions to the inquiry to help in the process of holding journalists accountable. Please send submissions to [email protected].
Finally, we have called on the President to look into this issue as we believe strongly that sitting cabinet members have a role to play in eradicating corruption and promoting media freedom.
Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom, Acting Chair – 082 379 4957
Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – 082 926 6404
Mr. Gwede Mantashe Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Trust in the Media is Important to our Democracy
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe today, 31 October 2019, met with the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) – at which meeting also the editor of the Sunday World was present.
The Minister acknowledges that, during the telephonic conversation with the Sunday World, he made claims about the bribery of journalists. He regrets these statements as there is no basis for them. He neither met with nor paid any journalists. He retracts what he said.
The Minister further commits to fully participate in SANEF’s inquiry into media ethics and credibility led by retired Judge Satchwell. This is to ensure transparency, fair and appropriate scrutiny, and to assist in engendering trust in newsrooms; and between the media and society at large.
He is committed to an environment in which journalists can work freely and without suspicion. The integrity of the media is integral to a healthy, progressive and open democratic society.
The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) mourns the death of 74-year-old, Durban-based veteran journalist and researcher, Juggie Naran who was former News Editor of the Sunday Tribune. He died on 29 October 2019 In Pietermaritzburg.
Although Naran retired in April 2017 at the age of 72, he continued to write as a columnist and worked as a media consultant. His sudden death has shocked his colleagues in the industry.
Juggie was an advertising sales representative for the Graphic and Post newspapers before he joined the Leader newspaper as a reporter. He then moved to the Sunday Tribune Herald where he did a sterling job, aided by his bulging notebook of trusted contacts.
Before his death, he told colleagues, he had his heart set on publishing a book about politics and the Black Conscious Movement (BCM) which included activists such as Steve Biko, Barney Pityana, Prof. Saths Cooper and Strini Moodley.
Yogin Devan, a former colleague of Juggie Naran’s, described Juggie as a great mentor saying he taught him his first job – selling advertising for the Graphic newspaper.
“He is a fearless journalist who defied banning orders and security police. He worked among the anti-apartheid activists such as Sam Moodley and others of his time.”
Devan said, “A son of the Grey Street complex, he was well-known by young and old alike in the then bustling Indian hub of Durban city”.
Although Juggie was diminutive in physical stature, he had a big heart and the most significant legacy he will leave behind is his mentoring spirit. “He was always willing to show cub reporters in the newsroom the ropes of news gathering and writing”, added Devan.
When he retired from the Sunday Tribune, he lectured to budding journalists at the Durban University of Technology.
Article updated as per input from MWASA and BCM founders
For more information please contact:
Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director 082 926 6404
Judy Sandison – SANEF Media Freedom Committee 082 571-3334
OPEN LETTER TO MINISTER GWEDE MANTASHE ON JOURNALIST BRIBERY CLAIMS
Dear Mr Mantashe,
The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) condemns the bribery of journalists in the strongest possible manner, and we are extremely concerned by reports linking you to such a nefarious practice.
It is unacceptable to us that any South African, and especially a sitting cabinet minister would allegedly bribe journalists to quash a story about them.
The Sunday World reported that you had paid two journalists to “bury” a story about your relationship with the student, Lerato Habiba Makgatho. According to the newspaper, you paid the journalists R70 000 to “destroy evidence” backing the story.
The Sunday World reported that you had not revealed the names of the journalists.
Today a new version of the story has been published where you deny the bribery allegations.
We eagerly await the truth to emerge and SANEF believes that it is imperative that you verify – under oath – which version of events is, in fact, correct and why you have made two contradictory statements.
Allegations of bribing journalists are a blight on the media industry and cause irreparable damage to our fight for media freedom.
It is therefore important that this issue is swiftly and decisively dealt with.
Minister – given the seriousness of the matter, SANEF will be writing a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa to express our deep concern about the claims against you.
Furthermore, SANEF will be writing a letter to retired Judge Kathleen Satchwell, who is chairing our independent Inquiry into Media Ethics and Credibility, asking her to investigate this further. We will also be asking Judge Satchwell to look into the prevalence of “brown envelope” journalism across the industry.
We believe that “paid for” or what is known as “brown envelope” journalism is gutter journalism and goes against the ethics we hold dear. This dastardly practice fundamentally undermines our constitutional principles of freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of the media.
SANEF supports Sunday World editor, Makhudu Sefara who has promised to launch an investigation and to fire any journalist linked to bribery if any evidence is found.
Allow us to remind you, Minister of section 2 of the Press Council Code deals with “Independence and Conflicts of Interest”. The Code states clearly that:
The media shall:
2.1 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;
2.2 not accept any benefit which may influence coverage;
2.3 indicate clearly when an outside organization has contributed to the cost of newsgathering; and
2.4 keep editorial material clearly distinct from advertising and sponsored events.
Please do get back to us within the next seven days.
Yours sincerely,
Kate Skinner
Executive Director
South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF)
Tel: +27 (0)11 482 5771 / +27 (0)11 482 6775 Skype: kate.skinner
Cell: + 27 (0) 82 926-6404
Twitter: @citizenmedianow / @SAEditorsForum
Email: [email protected] Website: www.sanef.org.za
Signed on behalf of the Chairperson of SANEF, Ms Mahlatse Mahlase; Deputy Chairperson, Katy Katopodis; Secretary-General, Moipone Malefane; Treasurer, Adriaan Basson; Eastern Cape Regional Coordinator, Sibusiso Ngalwa; Gauteng Regional Coordinator, Hopewell Radebe; KZN Regional Coordinator, Judy Sandison and Western Cape Regional Coordinator, Janet Heard.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is shocked to hear on 27th October 2019 of the Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs, Gwede Mantashe’s brazen alleged admission that he paid two Sunday World journalists to “bury” a story about his relationship with a student, Lerato Habiba Makgatho.
According to the Sunday World, Mantashe paid the journalists R70 000 to “destroy evidence” backing the story. Mantashe has not revealed the names of the journalists.
SANEF believes that “paid for” or what is known as “brown envelope” journalism is completely counter to journalism ethics. Section 2 of the Press Council Code deals with “Independence and Conflicts of Interest”.
The Code states clearly that:
The media shall:
2.1 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;
2.2 not accept any benefit which may influence coverage;
2.3 indicate clearly when an outside organization has contributed to the cost of newsgathering; and
2.4 keep editorial material clearly distinct from advertising and sponsored events.
SANEF will be pursuing the following actions:
– Writing to the Minister to request that he reveals the names of the journalists involved;
– Supporting Sunday World’s investigations into the matter including their commitment to fire journalists if there is concrete evidence of them taking a bribe and ensuring that all their journalists sign pledges to ensure ethical journalism; and
– Adding a specific clause to our “Draft rules of engagement” with political parties to call for politicians to support an outright ban on any form of “brown envelope” journalism.
SANEF champions ethical journalism. We believe that if anyone has any evidence of unethical journalism – including the very serious breach of accepting funds for journalism – they should go to the Press Council.
Further, we want to remind the public that we have launched our own independent Inquiry into Media Credibility and Ethics, chaired by retired Judge Kathleen Satchwell. We encourage any South African with evidence of journalists acting unethically or illegally to approach Judge Satchwell and the authorities. Please send submissions to – [email protected].
The South African National Editors’ Forum has noted on 24th October 2019 the judgment by Judge Daisy Molefe of the Equality Court, dismissing SANEF’s case that harmful and hateful statements made by EFF leader Julius Malema, his colleagues and supporters against journalists constitute hate speech and harassment.
We will be studying the content thereof before we make further decisions about the continuation of the legal process. You can download the Judgement here:
SANEF is disappointed that the ruling was not in our favour, but maintain we were fully justified to have approached the courts after numerous instances of threats and intimidation were issued by the EFF against journalists. We also wish to emphasize that the recourse to the courts was a last resort after efforts to meet the EFF failed.
We note that Judge Molefe states in her judgment: “It is incumbent on all organs of state, including the judiciary, to not only have regard to but to take positive steps to protect the safety and independence of journalists.”
We will continue our attempts to engage the EFF and all other political parties on mutually acceptable rules of engagement. We recently hosted a symposium on this topic. The EFF was invited but didn’t attend the event.
SANEF is also working on a memorandum of understanding between the media and political parties to SANEF welcomes the criticism of journalists and the titles they work for by the EFF and any other member of the public, but again we call on these critics to engage the media in a way that does not amount to intimidating or threaten the lives of reporters.
For more information please contact:
Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director 082 926 6404
Judy Sandison – SANEF Media Freedom Committee 082 571-3334
Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Media Freedom 073 404 1415
Janet Heard – SANEF Western Cape SANEF Convenor, 0780419528
On 23rd October 2019, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted the statement that was released by the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) regarding the closure of several community radio stations. We also note the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s (ICASA) statement that it has no intention of shutting down any “validly operating community broadcasting service licensees” – and that its mandate is to ensure compliance by all licensees with all applicable laws, regulations as well as license terms and conditions. We note that ICASA has identified 29 community radio stations that allegedly are not in compliance.
SANEF believes that compliance is a critical issue and we are happy that ICASA is taking this matter seriously. However, we note that ICASA has not insisted on compliance for a long period. We, therefore, believe that it is important that our Regulator assists and enables stations to comply. Also, we believe that it is important that the requirements are reasonable. We believe that overall, the approach needs to be supportive rather than punitive.
Further, we think it is important that ICASA is transparent about which stations have been affected. We know that some stations were issued licenses, yet they never went on air. We understand that those licenses should be removed. However, we have also been informed that other stations that have been targeted are functional.
SANEF believes that it is important that ICASA, the NCRF and all representative community media organisations, should hold discussions to chart a way forward. SANEF would be happy to be part of those meetings.
Broader crises in the community media sector
SANEF has observed several challenges in the community media sector. With regards to community radio, SANEF notes the serious challenges faced by the sector including high and often unaffordable SENTECH fees for signal distribution. Also, we note significant problems in the community print sector. For instance, the statistics gathered by the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) that, in less than 10 months, close to 50 independent community newspapers have closed their doors.
SANEF calls on the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu, to prioritise the revival of the community media sector. We note, the under-resourcing of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), a key support institution in the sector, and the need for government to prioritise the strengthening of this institution.
Also, we note the government’s promise to ensure that a greater share of advertising revenue is dedicated to community media.
We call on the government to move ahead on its resolution to ensure that 30% of government advertising is set aside for the sector.
As SANEF, we believe that the community media sector plays a critical role in society. It generally services marginalized and under-served communities and it plays a critical role in ensuring the free flow of a diversity of news, information and education information across South Africa.
For more information please contact:
Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson 083 399-2852
Dunisani Ntsanwisi – SANEF Community Committee (073) 981- 8649
Judy Sandison – SANEF Media Freedom Committee 082 571-3334
Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director 082 926 6404
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