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Tiso Blackstar

Diversity and Ethics (2)

Further Allegations Against Journalists At Zondo Commission Deeply Concerning – Sanef

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Judge Raymond Zondo head of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted on 1st October 2019 the testimony of Colonel Kobus Roelofse at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and the further allegations from whistleblower Colonel Naidoo. Naidoo told the Inquiry yesterday that several journalists including senior journalist at Tiso Blackstar, Ranjeni Munusamy received financial benefits from Crime Intelligence.

SANEF notes the problems that have been created by Col Naidoo’s mention of the fact that “journalists have been paid” without mentioning names. We believe that it is essential that the names are revealed and that the journalists implicated are given the space to respond.

We note that the Press Council Code is clear that “paid for” also called “brown envelope journalism” is completely unacceptable.

Section 2 of the Code deals with “Independence and Conflicts of Interest”. The Code states 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 champions ethical journalism. If anyone has any evidence of unethical journalism – including the very serious breach of accepting funds for journalism – we encourage them to go to the Press Council.

Further, 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, including the Zondo Commission. Please send submissions to – [email protected].

In terms of Munusamy, we again welcome the decision by Tiso Blackstar to grant her special leave. We note Munusamy’s strong denial of any wrongdoing, her detailed affidavit explaining the circumstances of her car repayments and related issues and her promise to cooperate fully with the Zondo Commission. We await the outcome of the Commission’s hearings and Tiso Blackstar’s internal investigation.

For more information please contact:

  • Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson 083 399-2852
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF Media Freedom Committee 082 571-3334
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director 082 926 6404
Diversity and Ethics (2)

SANEF Notes With Deep Concern Allegation Against Ranjeni Munusamy

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Journalist Ranjeni Munusamy

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted the testimony of Colonel Kobus Roelofse at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture on 18 September 2019, implicating Tiso Blackstar senior journalist Ranjeni Munusamy in accepting gratification from the Crime Intelligence unit.

Roelofse testified that he uncovered a payment of R143 621.78 from a secret slush fund of the police’s Crime Intelligence unit towards Munusamy’s vehicle finance account in July 2008. At the time, Munusamy worked as a communications consultant for clients, including the Friends of Jacob Zuma trust.

SANEF has noted Munusamy’s denial of the allegation and welcomes her decision to cooperate with the Zondo Commission.

SANEF champions ethical journalism and has launched its own 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, including the Zondo Commission.

Email [email protected] for submissions to the Inquiry.

In terms of Munusamy, we welcome the decision by Tiso Blackstar to grant her special leave to deal with this serious allegation.

We will closely follow Munusamy’s cooperation with the Zondo Commission and will await the outcome of Tiso Blackstar’s internal investigation.

For more information please contact:

  • Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson 083 399-2852
  • Sam Mkokeli – SANEF Media Freedom Chairperson, 082 084 2051
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director 082 926 6404