ANC STATEMENT ON MAIL & GUARDIAN APOLOGY TO THE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON

The Mail & Guardian newspaper has in its latest issue, published yet another apology to the ANC National Chairperson, Comrade Baleka Mbete, following a series of untruthful, malicious and defamatory stories published about her in September 2013.

The Appeal Panel of the Press Council of South Africa, amongst others, upheld the Ombudsman ruling in relation to a story accusing the National Chairperson of exploiting state funds and acquiring a driver's licence illegally.

Both the Ombudsman and the Appeals Panel confirmed the claims were without sufficient justification, relied on half-truths and provided commentary that "stood on shaky ground".  Accordingly, the Mail & Guardian was directed to issue an apology to the National Chairperson in respect of this false and misleading reporting.

The African National Congress trusts that this vindication of the National Chairperson by the Appeals Panel will once again serve as a strong deterrent to those elements in the media who still seek to demonise the ANC and its leadership through a campaign of misinformation and falsehoods. We continue to believe in the very important need for members of the media to uphold the highest journalistic standards ensuring balanced, objective and fair reporting to all.

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, June 30 2014

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