Solidarity demands answers regarding Rapport and Beeld

13 June 2024

In a letter to Media24, Solidarity demands clarity regarding rumours that the printed versions of Afrikaans newspapers such as Rapport and Beeld will soon cease to exist.

This shocking news reported on the Moneyweb website was not only disillusioning for loyal readers of these old daily and weekly newspapers; it was also news to these newspapers’ own employees.

According to Solidarity Chief Executive Dr Dirk Hermann, the letter is written on behalf of the large numbers of Solidarity members employed by these newspapers. 

“Some of our members, including some in senior management positions, read in the media for the first time about these radical interventions. They were not consulted and received no communication in this regard.

“Our information is that some of the newspapers apparently set to close in October are still profitable. The printed newspapers still generate significant advertising revenue. Therefore, on behalf of our members and the Afrikaans community, we seek answers,” Hermann said.

Solidarity's decision to intervene is also taken in the interest of Afrikaans, as abolishing these newspapers will deal a serious blow to the provision of Afrikaans news in the country. 

According to Hermann, the price to be paid will be much greater than the savings Media24 will achieve by permanently removing these newspapers from the shelves.

“For more than 100 years, the Afrikaans community has supported these newspapers as institutions of the media. Nasionale Pers was born out of absolute poverty.

“That's why we say Media24 owes a debt of honour to this community that built a company with few resources – one that they, as readers, have supported to this day. It would be dishonourable to curtail the Afrikaans news offer so drastically,” Hermann said.

Solidarity urgently demands feedback from Media24 and an explanation of how the legally prescribed consultation processes have been complied with, and what the plans are to responsibly manage the consequences of the decision.

See Solidarity's letter here.

Issued by Dirk Hermann, Chief Executive, Solidarity, 13 June 2024