SANEF supports the Sunday Times and its journalist, Sisanda Mbolekwa, as they fight off an interim gag order
26 June 2026
The work of journalists is to hold those holding public office accountable, and where necessary, ask them any questions, however hard they may be.
As the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), we continued to be concerned that a public official, Dr Sunshine Myende, the chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), sought an interim court order against the Sunday Times’ Sisanda Mbolekwa, all because she was asking her to respond to questions on the stories she was working on.
Public office bearers, including Myende, should not be excused from asking questions to journalists, while in retaliation seeking to turn such questions into harassment or intimidation.
SANEF, as previously stated, will continue to condemn such acts and support any journalists doing their work ethically, including asking questions.
SANEF will support the Sunday Times and Mbolekwa, as we deem Myende’s actions as nothing but harassment.
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:
Tshamano Makhadi – Acting Chairperson (082) 223-062
Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415
Slindile 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
Jude Mathurine – Eastern Cape Convenor (083) 799-1701
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
