SANEF notes with deep concern further allegations against journalists at the Zondo Commission
1 October 2019
The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) has noted the testimony of Colonel Kobus Roelofse at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and the further allegations from whistleblower Colonel Naidoo. Naidoo told the Commission yesterday that several journalists including senior journalist at Tiso Blackstar, Ranjeni Munusamy received financial benefits from Crime Intelligence.
SANEF notes the problems that have been created by Col Naidoo’s mention of the fact that “journalists have been paid” without mentioning names. We believe that it is essential that the names are revealed and that the journalists implicated are given the space to respond.
We note that the Press Council Code is clear that “paid for” also called “brown envelope journalism” is completely unacceptable.
Section 2 of the Code deals with “Independence and Conflicts of Interest”. The Code states that: