Editors’ forum seeks clarity

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) yesterday called for names to be revealed by witnesses testifying before the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture to allow implicated individuals the space to respond.

Police whistleblower Dhanajaya Naidoo on Monday testified that several journalists, including Sunday Times associate editor Ranjeni Munusamy, were paid by crime intelligence to “plant stories in the media”. He claimed to have knowledge of three instances where reporters were “paid or used”.

Senior Hawks investigator Colonel Kobus Roloefse also previously testified that the Hawks were able to uncover an amount of R143 621 78 – paid from the Atlantis Motors business account to a Wesbank vehicle finance account in the settlement agreement of the vehicle in the name of Munusamy – during an investigation into the alleged looting of the secret service account within crime intelligence.

Munusamy has denied all the allegations against her.

Sanef, in a responding statement, said the Press Council Code was clear that “paid for” or “brown envelope” journalism was completely unacceptable.

“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.”

It said that section 2 of the code dealt with “independence and conflicts of interest” and it states that the media shall:

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;

Not accept any benefit which may influence coverage;

Indicate clearly when an outside organisation has contributed to the cost of news gathering, and

Keep editorial material clearly distinct from advertising and sponsored events.

“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,” the statement of the body of journalists reads.

Submissions or testimonies should be sent to panel@mediainquiry.co.za.– News24 Wire

If you have evidence of unethical behaviour, report it to the Press Council.