Jeremy Maggs out as eNCA acting editor-in-chief; Norman Munzhelele taking over as acting managing director at the scandal-hit TV news channel.

by Thinus Ferreira

Jeremy Maggs is out with immediate effect as acting editor-in-chief at the scandal-hit TV news channel eNCA (DStv 403), saying he's stepping down because of stress, a month and a half after the firing of the politician-made-news-boss Kanthan Pillay in mid-December 2019.

Jeremy Maggs, who is also an anchor on eNCA, has been acting editor-in-chief at eNCA for the past 12 months but asked to step down because he couldn't cope with the stress-load anymore which was having a negative impact on his.

Norman Munzhelele is taking over as acting managing director of eNCA. Norman Munzhelele has been with the eMedia Investments group for 3 years.

Jeremy Maggs will continue to co-anchor the SA Tonight timeslot - the prime time timeslot he originally anchored, then left for the afternoons and then returned to.

"This has not been an easy decision, but for the past few months the stressful nature of the job has caused me to re-evaluate both my position at the station and my life choices. I've been stressed and unwell for some time and I’ve made this decision in my own best interests and that of the station," Jeremy Maggs says in a prepared statement released on Tuesday morning.

Antonio Lee, eMedia Investments COO, says in the statement "We acknowledge Jeremy’s contribution during his tenure as acting editor-in-chief, and accept his wish to step down".

"Jeremy remains one of our top-rated presenters and is inextricably linked to the eNCA brand.  We are exploring other programing opportunities with him.  We thank Jeremy for the job he has done as acting editor-in-chief, and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with him."

Sanef welcomes firing of eNCA's politician news boss Kanthan Pillay, says eNCA must 'get to the bottom of how a politician was ever allowed to have such a senior position in their newsroom'.

The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) says it welcomes the firing of the politician made eNCA news boss Kanthan Pillay and is calling on the management of eMedia Investments' TV news channel to investigate how a politician was ever allowed to have such a senior position in their newsroom.

eNCA appointed Kanthan Pillay, the founder and leader of the Capitalist Party of South Africa (ZACP), known as the "Purple Cows" in a senior news management position at the eMedia TV channel but neither e.tv publicist Lerato Maleto nor eNCA editor-in-chief Jeremy Maggs responded to media enquiries as to why Kanthan Pillay was appointed in this position.

TVwithThinus reported in October 2019 that eNCA brought Kanthan Pillay into its newsroom with eNCA that stayed silent and refused to answer questions about the appointment and why eNCA and eMedia Investments were putting a politician in a TV news channel's newsroom.

eNCA (DStv 403) on Friday fired Kanthan Pillay as eNCA's director of news following shocking allegations of racism and newsroom censorship that has plunged the eMedia Investments' TV news channel in a massive credibility and reputation crisis.

Kanthan  Pillay was fired after growing shock and public outrage after he suspended the reporter Kanthan Pillay by email and on social media called Samkele Maseko and others leaving eNCA "rats" who are going to a "sinking ship" meaning the SABC.

Khayelihle Khumalo has been reinstated following Kanthan Pillay's firing. Kanthan Pillay suspended Khayelihle Khumalo about the EFF political party's conference this past weekend for tweeting from his personal Twitter account while eNCA decided to boycott and not cover the event.

Sanef that has been criticised for being too slow to react in a statement says that the editors' organisation "welcomes the dismissal of eNCA’s Kanthan Pillay and we hope it now marks the beginning of eNCA restoring its credibility. It is unacceptable that a leader of a political party should ever be given an editorial role in a newsroom".

"Sanef calls on the eNCA management to get to the bottom of how a politician was ever allowed to have such a senior position in their newsroom."

Sanef said that it "applauds and commends the courage of the eNCA news team which stook together in solidarity and which demanded they be allowed to work in a newsroom free of censorship and editorial interference."

"Sanef also welcomes the immediate reinstatement of journalist Khayelihle Khumalo who was recently suspended by Kanthan Pillay."


ALSO READ: eNCA fires politician-turned-news boss Kanthan Pillay after allegations of censorship and racism, 'had no alternative but to end the relationship with him'. 
ALSO READ: eNCA editor Jeremy Maggs tells staffers 'today has been a profoundly unpleasant day for all' as eNCA credibility crisis grows after reporter Samkele Maseko reveals censorship allegations; politician-turned-news-boss Kanthan Pillay forced to apologise for 'irresponsible and unbecoming' actions.
ALSO READ: eNCA silent after reporter Samkele Maseko reveals allegations of Hyde Park censorship by news boss Kanthan Pillay and how he was 'thrown out of the eNCA building like a dog'.
ALSO READ: eNCA reporter Samkele Maseko abruptly gone after resignation, apologises to colleagues for not saying goodbye. 
ALSO READ: eNCA silent over 'appointment' of Purple Cow party leader Kanthan Pillay as TV news channel's new news boss.

eNCA fires politician-turned-news boss Kanthan Pillay after allegations of censorship and racism, 'had no alternative but to end the relationship with him'.

eNCA (DStv 403) has fired the politician it appointed as its director of news, Kanthan Pillay following shocking allegations of racism and newsroom censorship that has plunged the eMedia Investments' TV news channel in a growing and damaging credibility crisis.

eNCA appointed Kanthan Pillay, the founder and leader of the Capitalist Party of South Africa (ZACP), known as the "Purple Cows" in a senior news management position at the eMedia TV channel but neither e.tv publicist Lerato Maleto nor eNCA editor-in-chief Jeremy Maggs responded to media enquiries as to why Kanthan Pillay was appointed in this position.

eNCA is mired in a growing scandal and reputational damage to its news name a day after reporter Samkele Maseko handed in his resignation and then continued to detail allegations of shocking censorship inside the TV news channel by its politician-turned-news-boss Kanthan Pillay.

Kanthan Pillay also suspended the reporter Khayelihle Khumalo with an email and on social media called Samkele Maseko and others leaving eNCA "rats" who are going to a "sinking ship" meaning the SABC.

"eNCA has parted company with its director of news Kanthan Pillay with immediate effect," eNCA says in a statement issued on Friday afternoon. "This follows outrage and condemnation after a tweet he posted. The tweet does not represent the views of e-Media Investments and the channel.

"After intense overnight investigation and consultation, the channel decided it had no alternative but to end its relationship with him. Although he was acting in an individual capacity and his posting was unsolicited, he was nonetheless a senior member of staff and the channel believes there was no room for any other outcome and that damage control was imperative."

"Serious allegations have also been levelled at eNCA about Kanthan Pillay’s censorship of stories and his management style," says Jeremy Maggs.

"The channel takes the allegations of censorship very seriously. To that end eNCA is co-operating fully with the SA National Editors Forum (Sanef) that has requested clarity."

"The channel will be appointing an external expert to investigate these claims."

"All news organisations have one currency and that is credibility. It is clear this negative attention has adversely affected eNCA’s reputation and credibility. However with the talented and dedicated staff we have, I believe the channel can recover."

"Right now our immediate priorities are to mend strained relationships and to rebuild credibility with its audience and other stakeholders as soon as possible."

Kathan Pillay has been forced to write a separate apology to all eNCA staffers, writing that his actions "were irresponsible and unbecoming of a senior manager in any newsroom" and that he is apologising for his "irresponsible and ill-conceived statement on Twitter" and "the offence caused to all and specifically to Samkele Maseko, the SABC and the management of eMedia".

Kanthan Pillay says that he "apologises unreservedly" for "the action I took in haste and without thinking, which now places my employer, my colleagues, my family and my friends in a most embarrassing position".

"The statement I made is unacceptable and rightfully rebuked by all concerned. In the next few days the matter will be further discussed and investigated, and whatever the outcome, will be binding on me."

"I regret having been drawn into a twitter war and I ask for your understanding with the knowledge that I [sic] deeply remorseful of my actions".

ALSO READ: eNCA editor Jeremy Maggs tells staffers 'today has been a profoundly unpleasant day for all' as eNCA credibility crisis grows after reporter Samkele Maseko reveals censorship allegations; politician-turned-news-boss Kanthan Pillay forced to apologise for 'irresponsible and unbecoming' actions.
ALSO READ: eNCA silent after reporter Samkele Maseko reveals allegations of Hyde Park censorship by news boss Kanthan Pillay and how he was 'thrown out of the eNCA building like a dog'.
ALSO READ: eNCA reporter Samkele Maseko abruptly gone after resignation, apologises to colleagues for not saying goodbye. 

eNCA editor Jeremy Maggs tells staffers 'today has been a profoundly unpleasant day for all' as eNCA credibility crisis grows after reporter Samkele Maseko reveals censorship allegations; politician-turned-news-boss Kanthan Pillay forced to apologise for 'irresponsible and unbecoming' actions.

As eNCA's credibility crisis escalates and the reputational damage grows after newsroom animosity at the South African TV news channel burst into public view, editor Jeremy Maggs on Thursday evening in an internal memo to staffers called it "a profoundly unpleasant day for all of us on the channel" and said that eNCA won't be making any public statements while the ugly backstage newsroom drama "is playing out".

eNCA is mired in a growing scandal and reputational damage to its news name a day after reporter Samkele Maseko handed in his resignation and then continued to detail allegations of shocking censorship inside the TV news channel by its politician-turned-news-boss Kanthan Pillay.

TVwithThinus asked eNCA why it appointed Kanthan Pillay, the founder and leader of the Capitalist Party of South Africa (ZACP), known as the "Purple Cows" in a senior news management position at eMedia as well as for comment about the various allegations regarding news censorship that Samkele Maseko made.

Neither e.tv publicist Lerato Maleto nor eNCA editor Jeremy Maggs responded to media enquiries.

"Do want me to speak about how you threw me out of the eNCA building like a dog who had stolen something. How you came to my desk and said I should pack my shit and follow you to HR. You are heartless and unethical," said Samkele Maseko.

"Do you want me to speak about how you instructed that the ANC MP Bongani Bhongo be censored by removing all the allegations he made at minister Pravin Gordhan?" Samkele Maseko asked.

Maseko also alleged that eNCA's decision not to cover the past weekend's elective conference of the EFF political party was part of Kanthan Pillay's plan inside eNCA to "settle political scores", to censor political talk and to remove news content off the eNCA airwaves.

"The disrespect you have for an African Black Child is appalling, you have no sense of appreciation none whatsoever. We are not here to play politics and settle political scores with the EFF like you are doing. Busy censoring political talk and instructing things to taken off air".

He said Kathan Pillay should "settle your political scores using eNCA but [don't] disrespect us for dumping a ship led by a failed politician".

"Want to speak about how you canned an SAA story saying a journalist is an imbongi of the workers, wanting journalists to find faults with workers at all costs whilst protecting bosses?" Samkele Maseko asked.

In his internal email to staffers Jeremy Maggs said "Kanthan Pillay posted an ill-advised tweet about Samkele Maseko's resignation and implied the SABC was a sinking ship. I've spent the better part of the day in conversation with the eMedia Investments exco and members of our holding company. Kanthan will shortly issue a formal apology to Samhele; all staff at the channel, as well as the SABC".

"This matter is also under investigation by members of eMedia Investments exco and I will keep you fully appraised of the eventual outcome. Serious allegations have also been raised about censorship and in particular pertaining to two recent stories," Jeremy Maggs wrote.

"We are not in the business of censoring stories but conversely also apply strict gatekeeping rules of fairness, impartiality and right of reply. I will review these stories to see if those prescripts were applied."

"I am happy to bring in external assistance if need be."

Jeremy Maggs writes to all eNCA staff nationally that "This is the last thing any of us wanted days before many of us break for the festive season. I ask now that you allow due process to take place and be assued the channel is taking this very seriously."

"I will be meeting anchors and reporters this evening following a request and I am also happy to engage with anyone on this issue should you wish to. While it is playing out I am not making any public statements," Jeremy Maggs wrote. 

Meanwhile Kathan Pillay has been forced to write a separate apology to all eNCA staffers, writing that his actions "were irresponsible and unbecoming of a senior manager in any newsroom" and that he is apologising for his "irresponsible and ill-conceived statement on Twitter" and "the offence caused to all and specifically to Samkele Maseko, the SABC and the management of eMedia".

Kanthan Pillay says that he "apologises unreservedly" for "the action I took in haste and without thinking, which now places my employer, my colleagues, my family and my friends in a most embarrassing position".

"The statement I made is unacceptable and rightfully rebuked by all concerned. In the next few days the matter will be further discussed and investigated, and whatever the outcome, will be binding on me."

"I regret having been drawn into a twitter war and I ask for your understanding with the knowledge that I [sic] deeply remorseful of my actions".

Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, South Africa's current minister of communications, says "If what is going on at eNCA is true,it is a concern to any policymaker in a country,"

"Let there be freedom of expression, let people be treated fairly, let us make sure that there is no bias. If what is trending out there is true, we are concerned."


ALSO READ: eNCA fires politician-turned-news boss Kanthan Pillay after allegations of censorship and racism, 'had no alternative but to end the relationship with him'.
ALSO READ: eNCA silent after reporter Samkele Maseko reveals allegations of Hyde Park censorship by news boss Kanthan Pillay and how he was 'thrown out of the eNCA building like a dog'.
ALSO READ: eNCA reporter Samkele Maseko abruptly gone after resignation, apologises to colleagues for not saying goodbye.

eNCA silent after reporter Samkele Maseko reveals allegations of Hyde Park censorship by news boss Kanthan Pillay and how he was 'thrown out of the eNCA building like a dog'.

by Thinus Ferreira

eNCA is silent after political reporter Samkele Maseko, a day after his resignation, detailed allegations of shocking censorship inside the TV news channel by its new news boss Kanthan Pillay, and how he was apparently "thrown out of the eNCA building like a dog".

The eNCA (DStv 403) political reporter Samkele Maseko is abruptly gone from the TV news channel after he resigned on Tuesday. He apologised to his now-former eNCA colleagues for not saying goodbye after handing in his resignation on Tuesday.

Samkele Maseko isn't serving a notice period but left the Hyde Park based TV newsroom immediately after resigning on Tuesday since he's leaving eNCA "for greener pastures".

There's been no statement from eNCA about Samkele Maseko's exit.

It's not yet clear where Samkele Maseko is going to although rival channels like SABC News (DStv 404) and Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) are options and have been headhunting eNCA staffers, especially Newzroom Africa that has been expanding its own operations.

Following his resignation, Samkele Maseko on social media slammed Kanthan Pillay, eNCA's new head of news who was the founder and leader of the Capitalist Party of South Africa (ZACP), known as the "Purple Cows".

"Do want me to speak about how you threw me out of the eNCA building like a dog who had stolen something. How you came to my desk and said I should pack my shit and follow you to HR. You are heartless and unethical. Denying some a chance to serve a notice period".

"Do you want me to speak about how you instructed that the ANC MP Bongani Bhongo be censored by removing all the allegations he made at minister Pravin Gordhan?" Samkele Maseko asked.

Maseko also alleged that eNCA's decision not to cover the past weekend's elective conference of the EFF political party was part of Kanthan Pillay's plan inside eNCA to "settle political scores", to censor political talk and to remove news content off the eNCA airwaves.

"The disrespect you have for an African Black Child is appalling, you have no sense of appreciation none whatsoever. We are not here to play politics and settle political scores with the EFF like you are doing. Busy censoring political talk and instructing things to taken off air".

He said Kathan Pillay should "settle your political scores using eNCA but [don't] disrespect us for dumping a ship led by a failed politician".

"Want to speak about how you canned an SAA story saying a journalist is an imbongi of the workers, wanting journalists to find faults with workers at all costs whilst protecting bosses?" Samkele Maseko asked.

In a media enquiry eNCA publicist Lerato Maleto and eNCA editor Jeremy Maggs were asked for a statement regarding Samkele Maseko's resignation but the news channel didn't respond at the time of publication.

eNCA was also asked about the various individual allegations Samkele Maseko made regarding newsroom censorship and interference by Kanthan Pillay but there's been no response from the channel so far.

The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) in a statement says that it is "deeply concerned by allegations from former senior eNCA journalist Samkele Maseko that eNCA’s Kanthan Pillay had censored stories in the newsroom".

"The censoring of journalists who report in ethical and responsible ways is anathema in our industry and should always be strongly condemned."

Sanef wants to meet with eNCA management and wants clarity on what exactly Kanthan Pillay's involvement and position within eNCA is.

"We welcome the fact that Samkele Maseko has agreed to approach Judge Kathleen Satchwell and the Media Ethics and Credibility Inquiry to discuss these issues further."

Sanef says it's calling on all editors, media owners and newsroom executives to guard against all instances of editorial interference in newsrooms and to allow journalists to continue with their work in a responsible and ethical manner.

Meanwhile the EFF political party is calling for a boycott of eNCA in support of Samkele Maseko, as well as the eNCA reporter Khayelihle Khumalo who was allegedly suspended by eNCA management for tweeting in his personal capacity about the EFF elective conference of the past weekend.

"The EFF condemns the eNCA for its racist treatment of African journalists. In a tweet, one of its managers called a journalist, Samkele Maseko, a rat on social media, after firing him," the EFF says in its statement.

"We also have reliable information that eNCA placed Khayelihle Khumalo under suspension for tweeting about the EFF Second National People’s Assembly (NPA) from his personal account. The EFF condemns these actions as a sign of total deterioration of leadership, principles and ethics within the eNCA. In fact, when it comes to the EFF, the institution has become personal."

"South Africans must unite in totally boycotting eNCA, both from watching it and attending to its news requests and events. No one must call an African child a rat in our country and it just becomes business as usual."

The ANC political party's national youth task team (NYTT) in a statement slams eNCA and Kanthan Pillay over the allegations of newsroom censorship.

"The mistreatment of journalists is draconian behaviour, and it is something neither accepted, nor condoned by the ANC NYTT."

"Such behaviour by eNCA and its head of news toward Samkele Maseko is extremely unacceptable. Unfair labour practice against journalists is tantamount to an assault on media freedom and democracy."

The ANC political party in a statement calls allegations of editorial interference and the mistreatment of journalists at eNCA "tantamount to nothing but censorship".

"We are particularly appalled and shocked by the channel's head of news, Kanthan Pillay, for likening the journalists to rats in his response to Samkele Maseko's tweets. This is a gross violation of human rights."

The ANC says Kanthan Pillay "should conduct himself in a manner that upholds constitutional democracy at all times" and wants to see relevant authorities "embark on a market analysis process at eNCA to probe issues such as racism and pay parity at the station".

The SACP in a statement demands that eNCA fire Kanthan Pillay.

"This racist reaction is an insult to Africans in particular. It is completely unacceptable and must have no place in our society. The SACP condemns it in the strongest terms possible."

"eNCA must apologise to South Africans, get to the bottom of the matter and get rid of Pillay. The SACP will continue pushing media transformation and the struggle for a non-racial society."


ALSO READ: eNCA fires politician-turned-news boss Kanthan Pillay after allegations of censorship and racism, 'had no alternative but to end the relationship with him'.
ALSO READ: eNCA editor Jeremy Maggs tells staffers 'today has been a profoundly unpleasant day for all' as eNCA credibility crisis grows after reporter Samkele Maseko reveals censorship allegations; politician-turned-news-boss Kanthan Pillay forced to apologise for 'irresponsible and unbecoming' actions.
ALSO READ: eNCA reporter Samkele Maseko abruptly gone after resignation, apologises to colleagues for not saying goodbye. 

eNCA silent over 'appointment' of Purple Cow party leader Kanthan Pillay as TV news channel's new news boss.

eNCA (DStv 403) is remaining silent over the alleged appointment of Kanthan Pillay, founder and leader of the Capitalist Party of South Africa (ZACP), as the South African TV news channel's new news boss after the death of Ben Said.

eNCA didn't respond to a media enquiry on Wednesday asking whether Kanthan Pillay was appointed to replace Ben Said who tragicially died in late-August, when the appointment happened and what the official title of the person is now heading up the news division.

On Thursday after a second media enquiry, eNCA spokesperson Lerato Maboi said "When we do have any news to share regarding appointments, we will be certain to communicate. Wishing you a great day ahead".

On Wednesday an insider alleged that "eNCA has employed Kanthan Pillay to replace the late Ben Said. No formal announcement has been made as far as I am aware, but I'm told he is already making important editorial decisions".

"Pillay is founder and leader of the Capitalist Party of South Africa, also known as the Purple Cows. It goes without saying that he promotes and supports a particular political system and ideology," the insider said.

"Surely the journalistic and ethical principals of an 'independent' news organisation is being compromised? Should it be headed up by a politician pushing a particular party line? Where is the editorial independence and objectivity?  Also talk of another line-up change at eNCA."

Later on Wednesday Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, spokesperson of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) publicly tweeted that he had allegedly been "reliable informed" that Kanthan Pillay is now working as eNCA's news boss.

"This is the founder of the Purple Cow party which contested the 2019 elections on a highly reactionary ticket. If this is true, then eNCA is doomed for good!"

I have been reliably informed that @eNCA has appointed Kanthan Pillay as head of news at ENCA. This is the founder of the Purple Cow party which contested the 2019 elections on a highly reactionary ticket.

If this is true, then @ENCA is doomed for good!

— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) October 9, 2019