Independent Newspapers, former editor’s agreement
SINCE the removal of Alide Dasnois as Editor of the Cape Times (on 6 December 2013, the day following the death of Nelson Mandela), her rejection of an alternative editorial post and the later termination of her employment, she and Independent Newspapers have been in dispute about these events and the reasons leading to them.
Litigation in the Labour Court and CCMA has been pending about these issues.
The parties have now reached an agreement settling the litigation and all outstanding matters between them and have, amongst other things, agreed the following:
1. In relation to the appropriateness of how the news of Nelson Mandela’s death was covered in the 6 December 2013 edition of the Cape Times, the parties have differing views. While Independent News- papers does not agree with the decision taken by Alide Dasnois, as editor, to publish a special wraparound, Independent Newspapers acknowledges the following:
a. that her decision was not intended by her in any way to show disrespect for Nelson Mandela or his legacy, or to embarrass Independent Newspapers, its owners or management, and was a decision, in respect of which Alide Dasnois was exercising her prerogative as editor.
b. the parties however disagree about whether the manner in which she exercised this prerogative was appropriate;
c. Independent Newspapers further acknowledges that Alide Dasnois’ conduct was not motivated by racism and it retracts all allegations of racism made against her in the course of the proceedings that preceded the termination of her employment.
2. Independent Newspapers confirms its ongoing commitment to the principles of press freedom and to media transformation in South Africa and achieving this through ensuring that: its publications have a diversity of content; its editors’ contracts emphasize the importance of balance, accuracy, fairness, all points of view and divers- ity; it subscribes to the Press Code of South Africa; and its employment practices promote non- racialism, non- sexism and diversity. It’s Editorial Code of Conduct and Ethics affirms, amongst others, that its publications and editors will be “accurate, honest and fair” and will be editorially independent of government, business, labour, civil society and all other vested interests.