News

The 2018 Glass Ceiling Report launched on 19 October 2018.

Glass Ceilings Report 19 October 2018

16 October 2018

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) met today with the management of Tiso Blackstar in the wake of the deeply disturbing developments in the Sunday Times newsroom.

While, SANEF welcomes the Sunday Times apologies, we acknowledge that the breaches of editorial standards have undermined public trust spreading beyond the publication itself, undermining the credibility of journalism for the public good.

While we applaud the editor Bongani Siqoko for owning up to the serious editorial lapses at the Sunday Times, that have had a devastating impact on many people’s lives, we believe this can only be the first step in rebuilding and regaining the public trust.

This is a moment for individual media houses to seriously introspect and review editorial systems to ensure that this debacle is not repeated.

SANEF will institute an independent investigation into issues of editorial integrity – details of the investigation will be revealed once a contractor is in place.

We will also be rolling out a major training campaign on media ethics for journalists.

We also note that the Sunday Times apologies have again led to calls for a Media Appeals Tribunal.

SANEF reiterates its opposition to a state-controlled system to regulate the media because of its inherent danger to media freedom.

We have opted for the Press Council, which is now an independent, co-regulation system, headed by retired judges. We believe the Council has proved effective with a quicker process of adjudication than that of the courts. Also, it is a cheaper process.

Over the years it has been overhauled to respond to public complaints.

Coincidentally complaints against the Sunday Times were laid with the Press Council. Below are the Council’s rulings on the three complaints:

• Johann van Loggerenberg vs Sunday Times (16 January 2016)
• Pravin Gordhan vs Sunday Times (15 December 2015)
• Ivan Pillay vs Sunday Times (16 December 2015)

All three rulings can be found on the Press Council’s website.

It is important to note that the Press Council, in terms of its mandate, dealt with these complaints and forced the paper to apologize before the recent October apologies.

Brown envelope journalism

In another separate matter, SANEF is concerned by allegations that there are journalists receiving bribes from newsmakers to stop them from publishing certain stories.

This is in violation of the press code that binds journalists to practice ethical journalism at all times, reporting the truth and being motivated only by the public interest.

We hereby call on all those with credible information and evidence of journalists accepting bribes to approach the public advocate at the Press Council, Joe Latakgomo immediately.

The press code states very clearly that journalists must avoid conflict of interest. The code reads:

The media shall not allow commercial, political, personal or other non-professional considerations to influence or slant reporting. Conflicts of interest must be avoided, as well as arrangements or practices that could lead audiences to doubt the media’s independence and professionalism.

The media shall not accept a bribe, gift or any other benefit where this is intended or likely to influence coverage.

The media shall indicate clearly when an outside organisation has contributed to the cost of newsgathering.

Editorial material shall be kept clearly distinct from advertising and sponsored content.

On payment of information the codes sates:

The media shall avoid shady journalism in which informants are paid to induce them to give the information, particularly when they are criminals — except where the material concerned ought to be published in the public interest and the payment is necessary for this to be done.

We expect journalists to abide by the code at all times and we expect editors to continuously ensure that training on the press code is done and journalists understand their obligations and responsibilities.

For more information please contact:

Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson

083 399 2852

Mary Papayya – SANEF  Media Freedom Chairperson

082 379 4957

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director

082 926 6404

11 October 2018

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted that a meeting has been held between Sunday Times Editor, Bongani Siqoko and the Hawks. The Hawks were at the offices of the Sunday Times in Johannesburg on Tuesday, and the meeting was held there at the editor’s request.

While as SANEF we have previously raised concern when state institutions unjustifiably turn on journalists in an attempt to intimidate them into silence, Siqoko has assured us that the meeting was cordial. He has also told SANEF that there is no investigation as regards him or the newspaper.  It appears it is too early to give details on the exact nature of the Hawks investigation.

However to our understanding, the investigation is also not linked to the stories the Sunday Times wrote in recent years, especially in connection with the now discredited SARS Rogue Unit Reports.

SANEF is acutely aware of the terrible damage those stories have done to our industry and our democracy and also notes the repeated apologies from the Sunday Times over the years.

SANEF stands resolute in its belief that journalists in South Africa must always be beyond reproach and we condemn any form of corrupt or unethical reporting.

While we recognise that journalists enjoy many freedoms in South Africa, we take this opportunity to remind all members of the media that these freedoms come with a responsibility to report fairly, accurately and ethically at all times.  Facts always matter.

At the same time, SANEF also calls on all law enforcement bodies not to unlawfully encroach on those freedoms, and allow journalists and editors to do their work without any fear of reprisals and intimidatory tactics.

For more information please contact:

Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson

083 399 2852

Katy Katopodis – SANEF Deputy Chairperson

082 805 7022

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director

082 926 6404

09 October 2018

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) mourns the passing of SABC radio legend, Rowena Baird, after a long and brave struggle with colon cancer. Baird was a senior presenter on SAFM’s Morning Talk programme.

Baird was part of a generation that transformed radio and showed us what vibrant radio could be.

She started her career in the mid-1980s at Radio Bop and since then has worked on a number of stations. Her colleagues remember her as a multi-talented woman and as a consummate professional.

Rowena was not only an inspiration to young women starting out their careers in radio, but she also inspired young men who were equally motivated to follow her as a strong professional, playing a pivotal role in broadcast media.

SANEF is deeply saddened by this loss to the media industry. We send our deepest condolences to her colleagues at SAFM and in the industry, to her friends and most especially to her family.

May the soul of this legend, and indeed her domineering voice, rest in peace.

For more information please contact:

Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson

083 399 2852

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director

082 926 6404

27 September 2018

 “Access to information is directly linked to the enjoyment of basic rights and freedoms and influences the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals.”

— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO

The Association of Progressive Communications (APC), the Interactive Advertising Bureau of South Africa (IABSA), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) have been working together on a plan to realise access to the internet for all as a fundamental right for over a year. This Friday, 28 September 2018, as we celebrate UNESCO’s 3rd International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), we take the opportunity to take stock of our gains and encourage bold strong action from our government to help realise not just access to information but ensure we play our part in meeting our international obligations and the sustainable development goals. The call made by the online and media industry bodies, APC, IABSA, MMA and Sanef, for a national effort to coordinate existing legislation, policies and initiatives to provide citizens with a basic level of universal free internet access, is based on the proposed seven-point plan detailed below. 

South Africa is grappling with ways of enforcing access to the internet as an enabling mechanism for basic human rights, while taking into consideration our current socio-economic development challenges. One of the core issues here is reducing the cost of data and providing key infrastructure and an enabling policy and regulatory environment for access to the internet. According to the latest report conducted by Research ICT Africa, half of the South African population remains offline, the cost of data is a significant problem and the lack of internet-enabled devices and digital literacy remain the key challenges to accessing the internet. Despite greater access to smartphones, including in rural areas, there remains a significant digital divide.

Thirty five percent of our population are under the age of 18  (if we include youth this figure rises to 56 percent of South Africa’s population – according to StatsSA). The tragic reality is that approximately 65 percent of our children are living in poverty. Not only is this cause for grave concern for our nation’s future and development, but realizing access to the internet as a tool to help encourage equality, development and economic sustainability. Together with providing the necessary digital skills, we call on our government to prioritise the need of access to the internet for our society’s most vulnerable and marginalized.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa presented his Stimulus Plan for the recovery of the South African economy. In the plan, a few issues related directly to access to information and the internet are mentioned. Ramphosa specifically highlighted the need to reduce data costs by allocating radio spectrum, explaining that “lower data costs will also provide relief for poor households and increase the overall competitiveness of the South African economy”. Further, he stated that not only will lower data costs be beneficial to individual households, but also unlock value in the telecommunications sector.

About the day:

The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is directly linked to promoting the Sustainable Development Goal target 16 (10), which aims to “ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements”. The internet has become a platform where limited access has become a threat to the fundamental right to access information. The day will be celebrated by a number of events taking place, highlighting the need to prioritise access to information and access to the internet.

Details of the Seven Point Plan:

The 28^th September also marks the one-year anniversary of the release of the Issue Paper on Perspectives on Universal Free Access to Online Information in South Africa:  Free Public Wi-Fi and Zero-Rated Content (APC, SANEF, MMA and IABSA). The delegation put forward a seven-point plan to achieve universal access, which included the following:

• The implementation of free access public to the internet at government sites such as schools, libraries, health facilities, etc. (This is already government policy, but there should be a commitment to a fixed roll-out schedule, and the service should be promoted and monitored with adequate oversight by appropriate bodies);
• Zero-rated access to government websites and data, as envisaged in the e-government policies;
• Following on several pilot projects in a number of cities and towns, free wi-fi access should forthwith be regarded as a basic municipal service and run as a public utility (alongside water, electricity and other municipal services), and government should set up plans and targets for the progressive realisation of such services. This could be done via public/private partnerships, such as making it a requirement for commercial operators like telecoms and fibre companies to provide free wi-fi in poor areas for the right to provide commercial services in business and affluent areas;
• Setting minimum standards for the provision of free internet access, including for all commercial offerings: a minimum data allocation per person per day; and standards for privacy, security, access quality and fair access to information in the public interest;
• The introduction of the concept of My Internet Rights (or My i-Right): that every citizen should be entitled to a daily tranche of free internet access (eg 500MB per day, which is already the standard for many free wi-fi schemes), to exercise their access to information rights;
• The introduction of digital literacy programmes in education curricula and as part of free internet schemes, especially aimed at children and those unfamiliar with risks and opportunities related to the internet;
• The need for the SAHRC and other oversight bodies to monitor and report on the progressive realisation of internet access rights, and in particular the adoption and implementation of legislation, regulation and policies governing free access to the internet as a basic human right;

We commend the current commitments by the government to participate in initiatives that promote access to the internet. Recognizing that access to free information and the internet is a central tenet of enabling peoples’ rights to dignity and equality, we can achieve universal access for all South Africans through partnership and collaboration across public, private, and non-profit stakeholders.

Statement Issued by:

The Association for Progressive Communications (APC), established in 1990, has 58 organisational members and 33 individual members in 52 countries who are dedicated to using the internet and other ICTs for social justice and sustainable development. / [email protected]

The Interactive Advertising Bureau of South Africa (IABSA) – an independent, voluntary, non-profit association focused on growing and sustaining a vibrant and profitable digital industry within South Africa. The IAB SA represents the South African digital industry to all sectors, including the marketing community, the media, the South African government and the public. / [email protected]

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) – since established in 1993, MMA has evolved from a pure monitoring-based project to an innovative organisation which implements successful media strategies for change. We use technology, social media and data tools to make our work more efficient and effective. / [email protected]

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) – a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists and journalism trainers from all areas of the South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics and diversity in the South African media. / [email protected].

17 September 2018

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is deeply concerned by the utterances of private investigator Paul O Sullivan. O Sullivan made a public threat to close down the Sunday Times newspaper in his response to questions sent to him privately by a journalist, Poloko Tau. He went further to directly threaten, insult and intimidate the journalist.

SANEF believes that while any member of the public is entitled to dispute any allegations put to them by a media house, it is unacceptable to use threats and insults to silence them. It is a violation of the rights of journalists to do their work without fear or favor.

Journalists send questions to newsmakers on a daily basis, as part of gathering information and investigating allegations brought forward. The standard practice is for the newsmakers to respond and based on the answers the editorial team of the media house will decide on a way forward. Journalists have a responsibility to ensure that they have done thorough work to ensure balanced, fair and quality reporting.

SANEF calls on members of the public to engage with editors if they have a problem. Further, if material is published that they are not happy with they need to use the formal complaint channels such as the Press Council.

For more information please contact:

Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson

083 399 2852

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director

082 926 6404

17 September 2018

The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) notes the announcement made by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Friday 14 September that they had “met with organized labour to inform them that they were contemplating implementing Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA)” – and thus retrenchments at the SABC. The SABC announced that this was being explored among a number of cost-cutting measures.

SANEF notes the dire financial situation the Corporation finds itself in. The SABC had a net loss of R622 million for the 2017/2018 financial year. One of the biggest cost drivers was the salary bill.  The SABC is a R7.2bn revenue generating company with a salary bill of R3.1bn.

SANEF notes the fact that part of the dire financial situation the SABC finds itself in is due to the reckless mismanagement of the SABC epitomized by COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng. This included his mismanagement of human resources. Also, SANEF notes the lack of oversight from Parliament and the Regulator during this dark period. Going forward it is critical that the capacity of these governance and oversight structures are strengthened. SANEF notes that the cruelty of the situation is that workers, once again, are at the receiving end of leadership abuse and negligence.

SANEF believes that only if all other cost cutting options have been explored, should the Corporation contemplate retrenchments. If there is no other option SANEF believes that the labour law must be closely followed with transparency and commitment to negotiate fairly with organized labour.

SANEF believes that what is critical is that the SABC’s public mandate is no way compromised. SABC leadership needs to ensure that the Corporation’s news-gathering and content generation and management capacity is not cut. SANEF believes this capacity is essential for the SABC to play its key information, education and entertainment role. Further, we believe that the SABC’s content capacity is core to ensuring its turn around and long-term financial sustainability. SANEF calls on the Regulator, ICASA, to ensure that it monitors the SABC’s adherence to its Charter, licence conditions and local content regulations. The SABC’s ability to deliver on its mandate must not be compromised. Non-core support staff and administration units should be cut if anything is to be cut.

Finally, SANEF supports the SABC Board in its handling of the ANC Secretary General’s, Ace Magashule’s attempts to intervene as regards the SABC’s cost cutting plans. Magashule indicated that the ANC would “not allow” the Section 189 process to take place. SANEF agrees that this is an illegal intervention given the fact that the Broadcasting Act, 1999 clearly states that the Board “controls the affairs of the corporation”. SANEF believes that Magashule’s interference will only create confusion and make a difficult situation still more dire.

For more information please contact:

Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson

083 399 2852

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director

082 926 6404

10 September 2018 

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) condemns threats made against Sunday Times journalist, Qaanitah Hunter. Hunter together with Jeff Wicks wrote a front-page story yesterday claiming there were plans afoot by ex-President Zuma and his allies to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa and these were discussed at a meeting in Durban last week. The Sunday Times published pictures showing that Zuma was in fact in Durban at that time.

Various ANC structures, including the ANC Women’s League, immediately released statements condemning the article arguing that it was false, damaging and aimed to specifically discredit the ANC in the lead up to the 2019 elections. The ANC denied the meeting even took place and asked for the withdrawal of the article.

SANEF believes that the ANC, and its various structures, obviously, have the right to criticize the media, point out inaccuracies and lay formal complaints with bodies such as the Press Council. However, we believe it is problematic when particular journalists are attacked on a personal level. The ANC Women’s League states in their press statement, “It is also not surprising that Qaanitah is part of such lies. It seems she always believes figment (sic) of her imagination and she is becoming an embodiment of gutter journalism”.  But more serious than this are direct threats to journalists lives.

Hunter has alerted the public to the fact that she was sent threatening messages from the Secretary General of the ANC Women’s League, Meokgo Matuba, who sent a picture of a gun to Hunter’s cellphone. When asked if the picture was meant for her, Matuba responded by saying she doesn’t know who sent it as she shares a phone with many people. Hunter received this threat after calling Matuba with questions about the Zuma meeting.

SANEF strongly condemns what is a clear threat to this journalist despite the later apology.  We believe these threats have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and access to information. This behaviour is particularly worrying in the lead up to our critical national elections in 2019. We call on the ANC and all political parties to use the correct channels for complaints and to specifically protect journalists and journalism – we believe that this is essential to the safeguarding of the health of our democracy.

For more information please contact:

Kate Katopodis – SANEF Deputy Chairperson

082 805 7022

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director

082 926 6404

30 August 2018

The African Editors Forum today pleads with the government of Mozambique to drop its demand that local journalists, as well as foreign journalists working in that country should pay as much as $2500 for accreditation.

TAEF views the requirement for payment as a threat to media freedom and independence.

TAEF stands in solidarity with the Southern African Editors Forum, the Foreign Correspondents Association of Southern Africa, the Media Institute of Southern Africa-Mozambique and the Committee to Protect Journalists who have jointly taken a stance against the imposition of the prohibitive accreditation fees for foreign correspondents and local journalists working for foreign media organisations.

TAEF urges the government of Mozambique to reconsider its decision to charge journalists for accreditation. We strongly believe this will contribute towards improving media freedom and help to create a free climate ahead of the forthcoming elections. The local government elections are due to be held in October. Presidential elections in Mozambique are planned for next year.

For more information

Jovial Rantao: TAEF chairperson – [email protected]

Makan Kone : TAEF secretary-general – [email protected]