Sanef launched the inquiry after the Sunday Times made several apologies over mistakes involving stories such as the so-called rogue unit and the Cato Manor death squad stories. Additionally, security and prison services company Bosasa made allegations – at the Zondo Commission – that they had paid journalists to cover the company in a positive light.
While Sanef welcomed the apologies made by the Sunday Times, it felt that this was just the first step in rebuilding and regaining the public trust. It stated that it saw this as a moment for the newspaper – and all media houses – to seriously introspect and review editorial systems and practices to enhance media ethics and credibility.
Sanef believes the inquiry is taking place against a broader backdrop of state capture in South Africa, with the media industry not being immune from being drawn into manipulative practices and collusions.
STATEMENT OF THE THABO MBEKI FOUNDATION ON SANEF’S INQUIRY INTO MEDIA ETHICS. pic.twitter.com/GN7UvoUAE5
— Thabo Mbeki Foundation (@TMFoundation_) June 27, 2019
Sanef is encouraging all interested organisations and individuals to express their views through written submissions to the panel at az.oc.yriuqniaidem@lenap. The panellists will analyse the submissions and, if they feel it is necessary, will call on members of the public and organisations to make further written and/or oral submissions.
The panel’s recommendations will be presented to a media industry conference for discussion in June 2020 and an industry-wide action plan will be adopted.