21 June 2011
The SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has today sent a letter requesting an urgent meeting with Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane, to discuss the deterioration of relations between GCIS and Sanef. Minister Chabane is responsible for GCIS, which is headed by Jimmy Manyi.
The request follows a series of attacks on Sanef and its leadership by Manyi since the controversy over his statement that the government would reward certain media for telling the “truth” by the placing of government advertising. A meeting between Manyi and the Sanef leadership last week ended in a deadlock.
Sanef, which is a voluntary body of editors and senior editorial executives in print, broadcast and digital media, believes in dialogue with all stakeholders, including the government, and remains committed to the declaration of Magaliesburg with the Cabinet and Deputy President. Both parties had then agreed to meet regularly to iron out issues.
Over the years, throughout different administrations of the democratic SA, Sanef has had cordial and civil relations with GCIS despite a difference of opinion over a number of issues.
Sanef feels that Manyi’s conduct is cause for great concern and the request for the meeting with Minister Chabane will hopefully provide a platform to share our opinion with senior government officials. Sanef is awaiting a response from the Minister on a meeting date.
Issued by the SA National Editors’ Forum (SANEF)