Independent inquiry into media ethics and credibility making progress
12 August 2019
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is pleased to announce that its Inquiry into Media Credibility and Ethics is making good progress. Journalists and members of the public have started to engage and make submissions.
On 24 June 2019, SANEF launched an independent Inquiry into Media Credibility and Ethics with a panel of commissioners headed by retired judge Kathleen Satchwell, including panelists, Nikiwe Bikitsha and Rich Mkhondo.
The launch of the Inquiry was triggered by several apologies made by the Sunday Times correcting mistakes over stories such as the so-called “Rogue Unit” and the Cato Manor Death Squad stories. Further, allegations were made at the Zondo Commission by security and prison services company, BOSASA that they had paid journalists to cover the company in a positive light.
SANEF welcomed the apologies made by the Sunday Times, but we felt that this was just the first step in rebuilding and regaining the public trust. We stated that we saw this as a moment for the newspaper – but also for all media houses - to seriously introspect and review editorial systems and practices to enhance media ethics and credibility.