SANEF calls on Zondo to publish list of journalists on SSA payroll

The South African Editors Forum (SANEF) has called on the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture to divulge the names of journalists who were paid by the country’s intelligence agencies where there is evidence to back this up.

During Dr Sydney Mufamadi’s testimony, the commission, which is chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Zondo, heard that about R20 million was paid by the intelligence agency to ANA to influence the national news narrative and to counter the bad publicity around former president Jacob Zuma’s government.

SANEF CONCERN OVER INDEPENDENT MEDIA’S OWN PRESS COUNCIL

SANEF released a statement on Saturday, 13 February 2021 calling for the protection of media freedom and the promotion of ethical journalism.

“A major point of discussion was on the recent allegations of journalists being used as spies to further the agenda of the State Security Agency (SSA). Members again noted the admission of African News Agency (ANA) CEO Vasantha Angamuthu that they accepted money from the SSA to “provide multi-media training for SSA analysts and interns across Africa” and to carry positive stories about South Africa and the government.”

READ: SANEF calls for probe into SSA funding of media outlet ANA

SANEF also expressed concern over the decision by Independent Media to launch its own Press Council. “Members felt that such a decision further erodes the trust that audiences/readers place in the media industry. This amounts to Independent Media being a player and referee in complaints against the group’s titles.

“Freedom of expression and the public’s right to information that is free, and fair is protected in our Constitution. The self-regulation of the South African media works when complaints by members of the public are adjudicated by an independent person/s outside of one’s own media organisation so as not to undermine the public’s right to recourse. This is important for the credibility of the media in South Africa,” SANEF said in a statement.

SANEF said it is dedicated to finding an amicable solution to this matter with the parties concerned. The organisation will also seek ways to impress upon Independent Media to reconsider its decision and re-join the media fraternity’s self-regulatory structure for the greater good of the media and its credibility in the eyes of the public in South Africa.