Media provocateur Eusebius McKaiser dead at 45 after suspected epileptic seizure.

by Thinus Ferreira

The well-known South African provocateur, broadcaster, writer and political analyst Eusebius McKaiser suddenly died on Tuesday in Johannesburg after suffering a suspected epileptic seizure. He was 45.

According to his manager Jackie Strydom, the prolific writer, commentator and debater apparently suffered a suspected epileptic seizure on Tuesday in his Sandton home.

In a statement, his family said that "It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved family member, friend and colleague, Eusebius McKaiser, passed away unexpectedly earlier this afternoon".

"He was a loving son, brother, uncle, partner and special friend. He was also well loved and respected locally and worldwide for his political commentary and analysis on race and identity."

In a statement, the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) chairperson Sbu Ngalwa says Eusebius McKaiser "will be missed for his sharp intellect and contribution to the thought leadership discourse in South Africa and beyond".

"He held very strong views that he could actually back up. You just had to admire his mind whether you agreed with him or not."

"He was not shy to challenge anyone, including journalists – pointing out double standards and raising ethical issues. He really made one to sit up and take notice or to check their blindspots. He made a huge contribution to the South African media landscape We are poorer without him."

Besides being a prolific writer for South African news publications as well as international news publications, he also hosted TV shows like Interface on SABC3 and Meet the Media on eNCA (DStv 403).

In 2015 Eusebius McKaiser accused the South African public broadcaster of once again blacklisting commentators and revealed how SABC News once again stifled freedom of speech and how he was banned from appearing on the SABC's airwaves for a critical newspaper column he had written.

Besides having been a TV host, Eusebius McKaiser also had several different talk shows on Primedia's 702 talk radio station as well as Power FM, and appeared frequently as a media commentator on television and radio, besides launching his own podcast show.

Eusebius McKaiser was born in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape where he attended St Mary's Primary School and Graeme College, after which he did a BA degree an Honours degree and a Masters degree in philosophy at Rhodes University. He also studied at the University of Oxford for a doctor's degree he never completed.

Rhodes University described Eusebius McKaiser as "a political activist focused on social and political topics that impact on our lives and make people sit up and take notice".

The university described him as "community-driven and provides a living example of victory over racism and homophobia. He is a strong advocate of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Intersex community and educates the public about gay rights and the immorality of crimes committed against homosexuals".

Eusebius McKaiser was a social analyst at the Wits Centre for Ethics and at the University of Johannesburg Centre for the Study of Democracy.

Eusebius McKaiser authored the books A Bantu in my Bathroom: Debating Race, Sexuality and Other Uncomfortable South African Topics (2012), Could I Vote DA?: A Vote's Dilemma (2014), and Run, Racist Run: Journeys into the Heart of Racism (2016).

Eusebius McKaiser leaves behind his partner Nduduzo Nyanda.

... More to come ...

Media allowed to attend SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni's disciplinary hearing today as she accuses public broadcaster's chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and CEO Madoda Mxakwe of editorial interference.

by Thinus Ferreira

The media will be able to attend the disciplinary hearing of the South African public broadcaster's SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni today who claims that she is being hounded out of the SABC and accused the SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe of gross editorial interference into the operations of SABC News.

Gugu Ntuli, SABC spokesperson has no comment.

Phathiswa Magopeni has been charged with negligence and of bringing the SABC into disrepute, after which she accused Bongumusa Makhathini and Madoda Mxakwe of editorial interference.

Media are allowed to attend Phathiswa Magopeni's disciplinary hearing starting today, after chairperson of the hearing, Advocate Nazeer Cassim ruled that journalists will be allowed into the disciplinary meeting to report on it.

It follows after lawyers for the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) and the Campaign for Free Expression (CFE) demanded that the disciplinary hearing be opened to the public since the SABC is a public broadcaster, although the SABC wanted to keep the disciplinary hearing's proceedings secret.

 Meanwhile, SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini, who is implicated in the allegations of editorial interference, instead of recusing himself, wants to get rid of another SABC board member, Mary Papayya because she is a member of Sanef.

The Campaign for Free Expression (CFE) says that the media are allowed inside the disciplinary hearing "is an important victory with the hearing of this nature where there is strong public interest should be open".

"The SABC should be fully transparent, so the public can see if there is any validity to the claims that Phathiswa Magopeni is being targeted because she stood up against editorial interference. It is a very important point and hopefully, we will be able to establish the facts because the hearing will be fully open."

Sanef says that "there are charges levelled against Phathiswa Magopeni, for allegedly bringing the SABC into disrepute but at the same time, there are counterclaims from Phathiswa Magopeni which are directed at chairperson of the board and the CEO of the corporation."

"There are allegations of meddling and interference in news operations at SABC. As Sanef that is concerning to us, because we do know that the SABC comes from that history of political manipulation. We would hate to see the corporation go back to those days."

ALSO READ: Implicated SABC board chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini wants Mary Papayya gone from case over alleged SABC News editorial interference around Cyril Ramaphosa election interview since she's a member of Sanef as news boss Phathiswa Magopeni's disciplinary hearing looms.

ALSO READ: South Africa's public broadcaster wants to keep proceedings of disciplinary hearing of its SABC news boss Phathiswa Magopeni secret as lawyers for South African National Editors Forum and CFE demand that media be allowed to attend.

ALSO READ: Scared SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni details shocking allegations of editorial interference by SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and CEO Madoda Mxakwe who pressured for ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa to do an election interview.

ALSO READ: SABC board says its takes SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni's allegations of editorial interference atSABC News of SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe and SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini 'seriously' but 'won't comment further at this stage'. 

Implicated SABC board chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini wants Mary Papayya gone from case over alleged SABC News editorial interference around Cyril Ramaphosa election interview since she's a member of Sanef as news boss Phathiswa Magopeni's disciplinary hearing looms.

by Thinus Ferreira

The SABC board has split after the implicated chairperson of the South African public broadcaster, Bongumusa Makhathini wants SABC board member Mary Papayya removed from a serious grievance over alleged SABC News editorial interference involving president Cyril Ramaphosa because she is a member of the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef).

Meanwhile the disciplinary hearing of the SABC News boss, Phathiswa Magopeni - that the SABC wants to keep secret - is set for this coming week, with Phathiswa Magopeni who is charged with alleged negligence and bringing the SABC into disrepute, who made the serious allegation that Bongumusa Makhathini and SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe are both guilty of political editorial interference of SABC News.

The Sunday Times newspaper on Sunday reported that Bongumusa Makhathini - who himself is implicated in the serious grievance of alleged SABC News editorial interference - wants SABC board member Mary Papayya gone from deliberations over a grievance of allegations of editorial interference since she is a member of Sanef.

Sanef has demanded that the disciplinary hearing of Phathiswa Magopeni, given the seriousness of the charges and her allegations, be open for the media to attend and for the public to see since the SABC is a public broadcaster.

Gugu Ntuli, SABC spokesperson, didn't respond to media queries about Bongumusa Makhathini's demand.

Bongumusa Makhathini, in a letter to SABC deputy board member, Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi, demands that Mary Papayya must remove herself from "any discussions or decision-making" over the allegations of SABC News editorial interference because she is a member of Sanef.

He claims that because Mary Papayya is a member of Sanef and because Sanef has "declared an interest with respect to Phathiswa Magopeni's disciplinary proceedings", Mary Papayya must step aside.

"In this light, it cannot be acceptable that Mary Papayya participates in any further discussions and/or decision-making on a matter in which Sanef has declared a strong, legal interest."

Bongumusa Makhathini wants Mary Papayya gone from SABC board meetings that discuss Phathiswa Magopeni because according to him she won't "act impartially".

"Even if Mary Papayya recuses herself from Sanef meetings when SABC matters are discussed this does not cure the conflict of interest. Mary Papayya sits on the Sanef management committee and the Sanef council, which is that organisation's highest decision-making body."

"Likewise she sits on the SABC board, which is the public broadcaster's highest decision-making body and which will play a role in the outcome of the grievance lodged against me," Bongumusa Makhathini writes.

"It is therefore my respectful submission that Mary Papayya cannot participate in any further discussions and/or decisions on the grievance lodged against me."

"After 4 years of resolutely defending the independence of the SABC as board chairperson, it now seems widely accepted as fact, based on an untested grievance, that I am part of a 'political conspiracy' to interfere with the SABC's editorial independence and charge Phathiswa Magopeni."

"The damage to my reputation has been incalculable and it is therefore crucially important that the process to adjudicate this grievance is fair and impartial."

Phathiswa Magopeni who said she is scared and is being hounded out of the SABC, said that the SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe are both guilty of direct editorial interference in the operations of SABC News after they asked for SABC News to do an interview with ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa during the election campaigning period before the recent municipal elections.

Phathiswa Magopeni responded after she was slapped with a disciplinary hearing - set for 17 December that looks like it's a SABC witch-hunt - for allegedly bringing the SABC into disrepute and for alleged negligence. 

In her 9-page letter, Phathiswa Magopeni slams SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe and SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini for trying to "destroy" her after she rebuffed their attempts to get her to approve a sudden interview for South African and ANC political party president Cyril Ramaphosa during the ANC's recent election campaign in Limpopo.

Phathiswa Madoda says Madoda Mxakwe is resolute in "hounding" her out of the public broadcaster and that both Madoda Mxakwe and Bongumusa Makhathini called her on 24 October and tried to force her to approve and schedule an interview with Cyril Ramaphosa - a clear transgression of SABC rules against editorial interference by SABC top execs and the SABC board into the operations of the SABC newsroom.

"The calls I received from Madoda Mxakwe went beyond seeking clarity about why the interview could not be done. He was putting undue pressure on me to co-ordinate that the interview be done, despite this falling outside the news division's editorial processes and being outright interference. I refused."

"He even mentioned having spoken to the minister about the issue, which I found bizarre because this was an editorial matter. I kept explaining why this was wrong and in violation of the prescribed editorial processes," Phathiswa Magopeni writes.

Then suddenly Bongumusa Makhathini called Phathiswa Magopeni although SABC board members are not allowed to do that and are prohibited from editorial interference at SABC News. He asked Phathishwa Magopeni what is happening with the Cyril Ramaphosa interview.

"I said I had done nothing because it would have been an editorial transgression. He went as far as saying the ANC president was in his final leg of the campaign and would be making his way to the SABC afterwards."

"I asked him what he was coming to do as news had no scheduled interview with him, and there was no preparation for such by editors."

"He asked me if the president would have to leave the SABC without doing the interview. I emphatically said from a news point of view, yes, because no editor had knowledge of that interview and it would be a breach of editorial transparency in our newsroom processes."

In May Bongumusa Makhathini also interfered with the operations of SABC News when he also called Phathiswa Magopeni during the succession battle surrounding the Zulu royal family and instructed her that "the other side of the family" should also be given airtime.

Bongumusa Makhathini also sent Phathiswa Magopeni a white envelope with court papers through a security guard that handed her the envelope in the SABC parking area, similar to the modus operandi that a previous SABC chairperson Ben Ngubane employed where he would scream at staffers and hand them documents. 

ALSO READ: South Africa's public broadcaster wants to keep proceedings of disciplinary hearing of its SABC news boss Phathiswa Magopeni secret as lawyers for South African National Editors Forum and CFE demand that media be allowed to attend.

ALSO READ: Scared SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni details shocking allegations of editorial interference by SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and CEO Madoda Mxakwe who pressured for ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa to do an election interview.

ALSO READ: SABC board says its takes SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni's allegations of editorial interference atSABC News of SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe and SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini 'seriously' but 'won't comment further at this stage'. 

South Africa's public broadcaster wants to keep proceedings of disciplinary hearing of its SABC news boss Phathiswa Magopeni secret as lawyers for South African National Editors Forum and CFE demand that media be allowed to attend.

by Thinus Ferreira

While South Africa's public broadcaster wants to keep the proceedings and what is being said and revealed in the upcoming disciplinary hearing of its SABC news boss Phathiswa Magopeni secret, lawyers for the South African National Editors' Forum and the Campaign for Free Expression (CFE) are now taking action and demanding that the media be allowed to attend.

Phathiswa Magopeni who said she is scared and is being hounded out of the SABC, said that the SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe are both guilty of direct editorial interference in the operations of SABC News after they asked for SABC News to do an interview with ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa during the election campaigning period before the recent municipal elections.

Phathiswa Magopeni responded after she was slapped with a disciplinary hearing - set for 17 December that looks like it's a SABC witch-hunt - for allegedly bringing the SABC into disrepute and for alleged negligence. 

It comes after an episode about tow trucking was broadcast in November on Special Assignment while a court interdict was in effect against the investigative magazine show.

Gugu Ntuli, SABC spokesperson, initially wouldn't comment on the latest SABC and SABC News scandal about alleged editorial interference.

Last week the SABC finally responded only to say it won't comment on the case, with the SABC board noting that it takes Phathiswa Magopeni's allegations of editorial interference at SABC News "seriously".

Now the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) and the Campaign for Free Expression (CFE) are demanding that the media is given access to Phathiswa Magopeni's disciplinary hearing, and that the hearing takes place openly and transparently.

"An open and transparent process will not only assist the public to make up its mind on the case, but it will also aid the SABC to dispel the perception that the process is part of a political witch-hunt," says Sbu Ngalwa, Sanef chairperson.

 

"Sanef reiterates its respect for the SABC's internal processes and being able to hold staff accountable - hence we are not calling for the disciplinary action to be abandoned but rather for it to be open to the public as the issues at hand are a matter of great public interest."

Anton Harber, CFE executive director, says "Too much is at stake for this to happen behind closed doors".

"Phathiswa Magopeni has said that she is being hounded out because she has resisted political interference. We need the public to see if this is a return to the days when factional politics dominated the SABC and buried its public service mandate."

Lawyers for Sanef and CFE have written to the chair of the hearing, Advocate Nazeer Cassim, to ask that the media be allowed to attend the proceedings. 

Nazeer Cassim has asked the Sanef and CFE legal team to argue the case for openness when the hearing begins on 17 December. 

The SABC has already refused a Sanef request to open the hearings and are therefore expected to oppose the call for openness and transparency.

"The South African public broadcaster is no ordinary employer," Sanef and CFE say in a media statement.

"The public broadcaster plays a unique role in South Africa’s deliberative democracy, which it can either foster or undermine. Phathiswa Magopeni's grievance squarely impugns the SABC's impartiality and independence."

"Whether she indeed acted negligently in breaching a court order is a matter of public interest."

"The SABC has been on the right course to restore its public service values and to reverse the damage caused by years of political interference and manipulation. As a society we must be vigilant to prevent this from happening again.

ALSO READ: Scared SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni details shocking allegations of editorial interference by SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and CEO Madoda Mxakwe who pressured for ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa to do an election interview.

ALSO READ: SABC board says its takes SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni's allegations of editorial interference atSABC News of SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe and SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini 'seriously' but 'won't comment further at this stage'.

Scared SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni details shocking allegations of editorial interference by SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and CEO Madoda Mxakwe who pressured for ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa to do an election interview.

by Thinus Ferreira

The SABC News (DStv 404) boss Phathiswa Magopeni who is facing a disciplinary hearing says that the SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe are guilty of gross editorial interference at South Africa's public broadcaster and are deliberately trying to "get rid" of her at the SABC.

The latest SABC scandal is once again damaging the struggling broadcaster's reputation and brand, as well as inflicting further damage on the credibility of SABC News.

After disciplinary proceedings were started against the highly-respected Phathiswa Magopeni charging her with negligence and bringing the SABC into disrepute after an episode of Special Assignment was broadcast on SABC3 about the towing industry that still had to be withheld because of a court interdict, Phathiswa Magopeni has now come forward with shocking revelations of alleged editorial interference inside the broadcaster.

In her 9-page letter, Phathiswa Magopeni slams SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe and SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini for trying to "destroy" her after she rebuffed their attempts to get her to approve a sudden interview for South African and ANC political party president Cyril Ramaphosa during the ANC's recent election campaign in Limpopo.

Gugu Ntuli, SABC spokesperson told TVwithThinus on Tuesday that the SABC "has no comment" after multiple of the allegations that Phathiswa Magopeni notes in detail in her official complaints against Madoda Mxakwe and Bongumusa Makhathini that she submitted on 29 November.

Phathiswa Magopeni says that Madoda Mxakwe wants to make her specifically the scapegoat for the Special Assignment error.

"His doggedness in using the Special Assignment incident against me was blatant right from the start, even before I could submit the report he had asked for," Phathiswa Magopeni writes.

"There are three management levels below me that would have dealt with this Special Assignment issue but in Madoda Mxakwe's haste to get rid of me he overlooked that and chose to flout administrative governance."

"Madoda Mxakwe unequivocally rejected my suggestion, expressing that there was no need for him as he had nothing to do with the issue and that I was the one responsible. This was the clearest indication of the outcome being predetermined. I was the intended target and there was no other person to be considered."

Phathiswa Madoda says Madoda Mxakwe is resolute in "hounding" her out of the public broadcaster and that both Madoda Mxakwe and Bongumusa Makhathini called her on 24 October and tried to force her to approve and schedule an interview wth Cyril Ramaphosa - a clear transgression of SABC rules against editorial interference by SABC top execs and the SABC board into the operations of the SABC newsroom.

Madoda Mxakwe called Phathiswa Magopeni first and told her that ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe wanted the SABC to do a radio interview with Cyril Ramaphosa. Phathiswa Magopeni said no and that doing a special interview would have "made a mockery" of SABC News.

"The calls I received from Madoda Mxakwe went beyond seeking clarity about why the interview could not be done. He was putting undue pressure on me to co-ordinate that the interview be done, despite this falling outside the news division's editorial processes and being outright interference. I refused."

"He even mentioned having spoken to the minister about the issue, which I found bizarre because this was an editorial matter. I kept explaining why this was wrong and in violation of the prescribed editorial processes," Phathiswa Magopeni writes.

Then suddenly Bongumusa Makhathini called Phathiswa Magopeni although SABC board members are not allowed to do that and are prohibited from editorial interference at SABC News. He asked Phathishwa Magopeni what is happening with the Cyril Ramaphosa interview.

"I said I had done nothing because it would have been an editorial transgression. He went as far as saying the ANC president was in his final leg of the campaign and would be making his way to the SABC afterwards."

"I asked him what he was coming to do as news had no scheduled interview with him, and there was no preparation for such by editors."

"He asked me if the president would have to leave the SABC without doing the interview. I emphatically said from a news point of view, yes, because no editor had knowledge of that interview and it would be a breach of editorial transparency in our newsroom processes."

In May Bongumusa Makhathini also interfered with the operations of SABC News when he also called Phathiswa Magopeni during the succession battle surrounding the Zulu royal family and instructed her that "the other side of the family" should also be given airtime.

Bongumusa Makhathini also sent Phathiswa Magopeni a white envelope with court papers through a security guard that handed her the envelope in the SABC parking area, similar to the modus operandi that a previous SABC chairperson Ben Ngubane employed where he would scream at staffers and hand them documents. 

Phathiswa Magopeni says that SABC News has been banned from reporting about her disciplinary hearing charges and her disciplinary hearing, and says that the SABC's corporate communications team only responds with a "no comment" in response to media queries.

"It is my considered view there is a concerted effort by Madoda Mxakwe to push me out of the SABC with the assistance of group HR using the Special Assignment matter."

"With the public political statements being made about me having affected the electoral prospects of the ruling party, I feel extremely unsafe and I fear for my life. I cannot keep quiet."

The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) said in a statement that the timing of the disciplinary hearing against Phathiswa Magopeni "raises eyebrows and suspicions of a possible politically motivated witch-hunt".

Sanef calls for "openness in the handling of the matter".

"Given that the waters have been muddied by the blatant political attacks on Phathiswa Magopeni and the SABC over their coverage of the 1 November elections, we call on the SABC management to make Phathiswa Magopeni's hearing public, in the interests of transparency."

Newzroom Afrika reporter Ziniko kaMlhaba wrongfully arrested in Soweto while covering South Africa's 2021 municipal elections; SABC News reporters harassed in Limpopo.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) reporter Ziniko kaMhlaba was wrongfully arrested in Soweto while covering South Africa's 2021 municipal elections on Monday for allegedly "interfering with the work of the Independent Election Commission (IEC)" while 3 SABC News reporters were harassed in Limpopo.

The South Africa's National Editors' Forum (SANEF) strongly criticised the wrongful arrest of Ziniko kaMhlaba, with the South African police criticised for its "sheer abuse of power" during an election.

Newzroom Afrika's Ziniko kaMhlaba was arrested live on television by South African police on Monday at the Zakheni Primary School in Soweto while reporting about the voting process taking place at the school.

Ziniko kaMhlaba was handcuffed, put in the back of a police van and taken to Orlando police cells.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said that the South African Police Service was forced to arrest Ziniko kaMhlaba from the voting station for allegedly "interfering with the work of the IEC".

"This matter has since been escalated to the provincial commissioner of Gauteng Elias Mawela who ordered both the release of the journalist and an investigation into the matter."

Newzroom Afrika says that both Ziniko kaMhlaba as well as cameraman Muraga Mphaphuli had the correct and necessary media accreditation cover the voting process at the school grounds.

Ziniko kaMhlaba had tried to request the presiding officer to interview party agents and members of the public outside the voting station but she refused to talk to him. 

She ordered him and a camera person to leave the premises outside the Zakheni Primary School.

Ziniko kaMlhaba tried to engage the Gauteng IEC media liaison officer to mediate, but his efforts were fruitless as the presiding officer "just walked away and refused to take the call".

"When police who observed the discussion refused to kick him out of the school premises on grounds that he had not broken any law, the presiding officer then called the Orlando Police Station and reported him allegedly as a person disrupting the elections inside the hall of the polling station."

"A senior officer who introduced herself as Station Commander Kubheka came and threatened to arrest me if I did not stop trying to interview the public on issues of lack of electricity and others that affected them," Ziniko kaMlhaba said.

“We were never inside the building where voting was taking place, but the presiding officer seemed to have informed senior officials that we were inside.

The live crossing on Newzroom Afrika was then shockingly interrupted by the Kubheka police person who then also chased and took cellphones from members of the members who were recording the incident.

IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo told journalists at an IEC briefing that the IEC has launched a "fact-finding mission" to determine the circumstances surrounding Ziniko's arrest.

Katy Katopidis, Newzroom Afrika news director Katy Katopodis, in an interview on Radio 702, said that the TV news channel "is absolutely outraged and we have taken this up at the highest levels with both the South African police and the IEC".

"It is an attack on media freedom and it is an abuse of power by the police. He has been released now but it is something we are taking very seriously."

Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF chairperson in a statement says that the arrest of Ziniko kaMlhaba "was totally unnecessary and sheer abuse of power by the police. No journalist should be arrested or harassed for merely doing their job. Journalism is not a crime."

"SANEF is concerned that despite all the pre-election engagements and preparations, something like this still happened and the police reacted with a heavy hand instead of facilitating an amicable solution."

SABC reporters in Limpopo also harassed

In an unrelated elections coverage case 3 SABC News (DStv 404) reporters were harassed and intimidated by members of the public while reporting on elections issues near the polling station in the hostel in Tsabeng, in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province.

"SANEF was told that after packing their equipment to leave the area to report elsewhere, a group of men and women hostel residents hauled insults at SABC reporters Pimani Baloyi, Mahlatse Phaladi, and cameraman Mpho Masela demanding that they immediately leave the area because the media was not welcome there."

Mpho Masela who was driving the SABC News vehicle calmly tried to manoeuvre slowly and leave the area while the group approached the car and pounded the car bonnet with their hands.

"We stayed calm and slowly drove off and avoided confrontation. We were not physically harmed," Pimani Baloyi says.

e.tv News and eNCA reporter Natalie Malgas and cameraman Lance Manjoro robbed in Khayelitsha, camera equipment and phones stolen by 4 men with guns.

by Thinus Ferreira

The e.tv News and eNCA (DStv 403) reporter Natalie Malgas and cameraman Lance Manjoro were attacked, held at gunpoint and robbed in an ambush on Monday while reporting from Khayelitsha in Cape Town.

On social media Natalie Malgas said that she had "survived my scariest day on the job" and that "my cameraman and I were held at gunpoint in Khayelitsha while covering local general elections 2021 stories. We're unhurt and safe now. Be safe in the field colleagues".

Natalie Malgas explained that camera equipment and their phones were stolen in the ambush by 4 guys with two guns. "It all happened so fast," she said.

"We're hopeful that while the South African Police Service conducts its investigation into this matter, arrests will be made soon," says John Bailey, eNCA managing editor.

"It's concerning for us that while we're covering the local government elections and highlighting the plight of communities, our teams are vulnerable in the face of such barbaric criminality."

"While our team is unhurt, they're very traumatised. However, we are providing them with the necessary support."

The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) says "Other incidents of robbery of journalists have been reported in Cape Town and elsewhere in the country".

"We note that these attacks are now becoming a norm, putting the lives of journalists at risk. We call on law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute these criminals."

"Without journalists focusing on the plight of communities, such stories will go unreported. South Africa is becoming a very dangerous place for journalists and, apart from attacks on the field, journalists also face cyber-bulling and severe attacks on social media platforms."

The horrific incident in which a South African TV news crew got robbed followed after a Newzroom Afrika news team was attacked and robbed and their vehicle broken into while they were reporting live from East London earlier this month.

In July criminals attacked the SABC News (DStv 404) reporter Natasha Phiri and cameraman Gqabi Njokweni in a gunpoint robbery in Alexandra. They were robbed of a live-crossing device, camera, box with cables and broadcast equipment, 2 cellphones and a handbag. 

In April the reporter Monique Mortlock of eNCA (DStv 403) and eNuus on kykNET (DStv 144), along with cameraman Asanda Javu were robbed in Khayelitsha as well as the TV news crew were doing a report and live crossing about the lack of service delivery in the area.

ALSO READ: Another Newzroom Afrika news team attacked and robbed, vehicle broken into, this time while reporting live from East London.

ALSO READ: eNCA and eNuus reporter Monique Mortlock and camera operator Asanda Javu robbed at gunpoint in Khayelitsha, TV news crew struggles to report crime case to South African police after doing a live crossing about lack of service delivery in the area.

Somizi Mhlongo out at SABC's Metro FM after serious allegations of violent physical abuse, Idols role on M-Net's Mzansi Magic in jeopardy.

by Thinus Ferreira

The socialite Somizi Mhlongo who is once again swirling in controversy following allegations of violent physical abuse is out of his gig as a presenter on the SABC's Metro FM radio station, with his seat as a judge on Idols on Mzansi Magic that is also in serious jeopardy.

The scandal-riddled star is once again in the tabloid headlines for all the wrong reasons, following leaked BarLeaderTV production recordings from his now-estranged lover, Mohale Motaung.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo broke his ribs and almost knocked out teeth in a violent physical abuse incident in 2020; allegedly threatened Mohale with a kitchen knife, saying he would kill them both; and allegedly even tried to drive him off the road after an Idols afterparty.

Mohale Motaung and Somizi Mhlongo's tempestuous relationship has been marred by persistent rumours of infidelity and breakup ever since their over-the-top and tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union that was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020.

Somizi Mhlongo and MultiChoice are also mired in drama over allegations that he allegedly stole and plagiarised the idea for the Dinner at Somizi's TV series from another creative, Hastings Moeng.

Neither Mohale Motaung nor Somizi Mhlongo responded with any public statement by the time of publishing over the violent physical abuse claims.

On Wednesday morning the SABC in a statement confirmed that Somizi Mhlongo is gone from the Metro FM airwaves for now.

"The SABC can confirm that Metro FM management met with Somizi Mhlongo and he has requested to take some time off from work. Management has granted Somizi Mhlongo permission to do so. The corporation has also noted comments on social media about Somizi Mhlongo and we would like to point out that the public broadcaster does not condone any acts of abuse and violence."

Meanwhile Somizi Mhlongo's continued participation as an Idols judge on M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel is also becoming increasingly untenable given the serious nature of the allegations that have surfaced.

If Somizi Mhlongo is removed or leaves, viewers will however see him for a few weeks longer on-air, since several episodes of the current 17th season have been filmed by the [SIC] Entertainment production company already.

MultiChoice on Tuesday told TVwithThinus in a statement in response to a media enquiry that "We are aware of the allegations made against Somizi Mhlongo. As a strong proponent of a violence-free South Africa, we view these allegations seriously and are giving them the attention they deserve".

In January the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) slammed Somizi Mhlongo in a strongly-worded statement over his insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

SANEF said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

"SANEF calls on Somizi Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments."

ALSO READ: In shocking leaked production recordings reality star Mohale Motaung accuses Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse: 'Threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife'.

In shocking leaked production recordings reality star Mohale Motaung accuses Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse: 'Threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife'.

by Thinus Ferreira

In shocking, leaked production recordings that have so far been kept secret and away from broadcast while it kept the veneer of a reality TV series fantasy intact, the reality star and actor Mohale Motaung slams and accuses his fellow reality personality and Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse and that he threatened to kill him with a kitchen knife.

Somizi Mhlongo allegedly broke some of Mohale Motaung's ribs and almost knocked out teeth in a violent physical abuse incident in 2020; allegedly threatened Mohale with a kitchen knife, saying he would kill them both; and allegedly even tried to drive him off the road after an Idols afterparty.

Mohale Motaung and Somizi Mhlongo's tempestuous relationship has been marred by persistent rumours of infidelity and breakup ever since their over-the-top and tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union that was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020.

Neither Mohale Motaung nor Somizi Mhlongo responded with any public statement by the time of publishing.

A media enquiry to M-Net's Mzansi Magic and Idols was referred to MultiChoice's corporate affairs division. MultiChoice on Tuesday told TVwithThinus that "We are aware of the allegations made against Somizi Mhlongo. As a strong proponent of a violence-free South Africa, we view these allegations seriously and are giving them the attention they deserve".

This follows an explosive report in the Sunday tabloids detailing the contents of leaked production recordings made by the BarLeader TV production company, in which Mohale speaks of the alleged physical abuse and threats from Somizi, dating back its start to just 3 weeks after their troubled relationship began.

In leaked recordings of interviews with the producers of Somizi Mhlongo's Living the Dream with Somizi that was broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) Mohale Motaung explains how he had been fearful of Somizi Mhlongo when they exchange wedding vows during their garish Somizi & Mohale: The Union streamer special.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo broke some of his ribs and almost knocked out two teeth in a jealous rage during a physically violent domestic abuse incident in 2020 at their Johannesburg home.

Mohale Motaung says that he wants to divorce Somizi Mhlongo, isn't "in love with him" anymore, and claims in the Sunday World article that Somizi Mhlongo threatened him with a kitchen knife and allegedly said that he would kill them both.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo loves group sex and suggested threesome sex while they were on holiday in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and that Somizi allegedly asked multiple times to bring other sex partners home.

Mohale Motaung details the first alleged violent abuse incident that happened just three weeks into their relationship when Somizi allegedly "took a knife. I was about to exit, so he said to me 'if you exit I'm going to kill us both'. So, I took my keys and I ran. He grabbed the knife and said 'if you walk out, I'm going to stab you".

Mohale said that he was "shit scared and I walked back into the house".

Mohale Motaung also details how Somizi Mhlongo allegedly tried to force him off the road and bumped his car in an alleged road-rage incident after Mzansi Magic's Idols afterparty in 2018. 

"By the time we got married, I was very scared of this person," Mohale Motaung says.

In January the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) slammed Somizi Mhlongo in a strongly-worded statement over his insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

SANEF said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

"SANEF calls on Somizi Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments."

SANEF seeks meeting over claims that 'ghost of censorship is back at eNCA'.

Thinus Ferreira

South Africa’s National Editors’ Forum wants to meet with eNCA after unhappy and angry editorial staff at the eMedia Investments-run TV news channel are once again sounding the alarm over alleged censorship in their newsroom over coverage, citing a blackout order of a press conference of former president Jacob Zuma and saying that "the ghost of censorship is back in the eNCA newsroom".

This is the second time that SANEF wants to meet with eNCA management and staff, following shocking allegations of racism and newsroom censorship in late-2019 when Kanthan Pillay, founder of the Capitalist Party of South Africa (ZACP), was first hired and then fired in a senior news management position at eNCA (DStv 403).

Nothing came of SANEF call at the time for an investigation into how a politician was appointed as eNCA's director of news inside eNCA. 

The TV news channel was plunged into a credibility and reputation crisis following newsroom palace intrigued after reporter Samkele Maseko and others staff left and with Kantan who called them "rats" who are going to a "sinking ship", meaning the SABC.

eNCA has been battered by a constant exit of on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent over the past three years with multiple staffers exiting to the SABC and growing rival Newzroom Africa (DStv 405), with Thembekile Mrototo who became the latest to leave eNCA and is now appearing on Newzroom Afrika in a weekend slot since July.

Now furious editorial staffers at eNCA are once again accusing the TV news channel of censorship and bias in news coverage decisions after it failed to cover the press conference on 4 July of former president Jacob Zuma who is now behind bars.

eNCA didn't respond to a media enquiry on Friday seeming comment.

SANEF told TVwithThinus that it "has seen a letter by eNCA journalists complaining about censorship in their newsroom".

"We have contacted the news management at eNCA to request a meeting. While we await a response, news media should always strive to reflect the multiplicity of views within codes set out by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BRCCSA) and the Press Code."

In an internal memo to eNCA management, staff claim that eNCA is once again practising censorship in an email headlined "The ghost of censorship is back in the eNCA Newsroom".

eNCA staff are demanding an open and transparent investigation into why Jacob Zuma's press conference on 4 July was allegedly censored at eNCA and are also demanding the appointment of an independent body to look into eNCA staffers' concerns about editorial newsroom interference – similar to what was done at the South African public broadcaster's SABC News division a few years ago.

eNCA staff say that they are once again compelled to "collectively" raise their voices "as loudly, as forcefully and as resoundingly as we can muster, in rejection of censorship in the eNCA newsroom."

"Our observation and experience is that this tendency has been creeping in gradually, and arguably quite insidiously, over a period of time; an incident here, an incident there, an inexplicable decision here, an inexplicable decision there."

"But nothing could have prepared us for the zero to a 100 full-force nature in which our concerns were to be dramatised and confirmed 'beyond a reasonable doubt' in the inexplicable, untenable and objectionable decision to censor the coverage of former president Jacob Zuma's speech to his supporters in Nkandla on Sunday 4 July 2021."

The memo continues to say that "There is clearly a chain of command that determines which voices are to be snuffed out of the airwaves at eNCA".

"And the chain of command, we submit, does not start even in the most senior position in our newsroom, albeit implementation of unethical instructions arguably gains momentum at this level of newsroom management."

"We submit that it is our reasonable suspicion that the chain of command involves players who ordinarily should be concerned with the running of the eMedia business, including eNCA, but not taking editorial decisions."

eNCA staff now demand that eNCA "investigates the circumstances that led to the censoring of former president Jacob Zuma's address to his supporters on Sunday 4 July 2021, a news event that undoubtedly in the public interest and which we had the full capacity to cover."

Staffers want eNCA to appoint "an independent body to investigate staff concerns about editorial interference from the board, eNCA establishes a system whereby major editorial instructions must be communicated in writing only, if they are to be of any force or effect [and that] eNCA provides clear editorial direction on the channel's stance on Jacob Zuma coverage, to which we will respond to."

"We consider these matters to be of extreme urgency, as each passing hour seems to sink us to new depths. We, therefore, call on management to consider these matters raised herein, and give a comprehensive response," the internal memo states. "The Nkandla field team is demotivated and the output and input teams are outraged given that they try their best to conquer audience demands."

ALSO READ: Outraged eNCA staffers say 'the ghost of censorship is back', demand an independent investigation into alleged newsroom bias after Jacob Zuma presser was censored.

Outraged eNCA staffers say 'the ghost of censorship is back', demand an independent investigation into alleged newsroom bias after Jacob Zuma presser was censored.

by Thinus Ferreira

Furious editorial staffers at eNCA (DStv 403) are once again accusing the eMedia Investments-run TV news channel of censorship and shocking bias in news coverage decisions after the South African channel failed to cover the press conference this past weekend of former president Jacob Zuma who is now behind bars.

In an internal memo to eNCA management, eNCA staffers claim that eNCA is once again practising censorship and is headlined "The ghost of censorship is back in the eNCA Newsroom! We reject censorship!".

eNCA staffers are demanding an open and transparent investigation into why Jacob Zuma's press conference was allegedly censored at eNCA, and are also demanding the appointment of an independent body to look into eNCA staffers' concerns about editorial newsroom interference - similar to what was done at the South African public broadcaster's SABC News division.

eNCA staffers say that they are once again compelled to "collectively" raise their voices "as loudly, as forcefully and as resoundingly as we can muster, in rejection of censorship in the eNCA newsroom."

"Our observation and experience is that this tendency has been creeping in gradually, and arguably quite insidiously, over a period of time; an incident here, an incident there, an inexplicable decision here, an inexplicable decision there."

"But nothing could have prepared us for the zero to a 100 full-force nature in which our concerns were to be dramatised and confirmed 'beyond a reasonable doubt' in the inexplicable, untenable and objectionable decision to censor the coverage of former president Jacob Zuma's speech to his supporters in Nkandla on Sunday."

"There is clearly a chain of command that determines which voices are to be snuffed out of the airwaves at eNCA"

"And the chain of command, we submit, does not start even in the most senior position in our newsroom, albeit implementation of unethical instructions arguably gains momentum at this level of newsroom management."

"We submit that it is our reasonable suspicion that the chain of command involves players who ordinarily should be concerned with the running of the eMedia business, including eNCA, but not taking editorial decisions."

"It is ironic that some of the decisions taken end up costing the channel significantly in viewership numbers, which invariably translates to pressure on desk, field, studio and on-air teams to account for plummeting numbers."

eNCA's editorial staffers say that "As we speak, we as a channel are still dealing with the albatross of the fateful 2019 decision to withdraw our crews from the EFF congress that December."

"To this day, we are unable to help at least that segment of the population that depends on us to receive or impart information and ideas around the third biggest political party in our country."

"To this day, we're viewed with a great deal of suspicion and our bona fides are questioned because of an impulsive, petulant, ideologically and fictionally-loaded decision taken by an individual who was in charge of our newsroom at the time."

eNCA staffers demand that eNCA "investigates the circumstances that led to the censoring of former president Jacob Zuma's address to his supporters on Sunday 4 July 2021, a news event that undoubtedly in the public interest and which we had the full capacity to cover."

Staffers want eNCA to appoint "an independent body to investigate staff concerns about editorial interference from the board, eNCA establishes a system whereby major editorial instructions must be communicated in writing only, if they are to be of any force or effect [and that] eNCA provides clear editorial direction on the channel's stance on Jacob Zuma coverage, to which we will respond to."

"We consider these matters to be of extreme urgency, as each passing hour seems to sink us to new depths. We therefore call on management to consider these matters raised herein, and give a comprehensive response," the internal memo states.

"The Nkandla field team is demotivated and the output and input teams are outraged given that they try their best to conquer audience demands."

eNCA didn't immediately respond to a media enquiry seeking comment on the new allegations of censorship at the TV news channel on Friday but will be added here if received.

eNCA has been battered by a constant exit of on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent over the past three years with multiple staffers exiting to the SABC and growing rival Newzroom Africa (DStv 405), with Thembekile Mrototo who became the latest to leave former eNCA-er now appearing on Newzroom Afrika in a weekend slot since July.

In October 2019 TVwithThinus reported that Kanthan Pillay, the founder and leader of the Capitalist Party of South Africa (ZACP), known as the "Purple Cows" was appointed in a senior news management position at the eMedia TV channel but neither eNCA nor editor-in-chief Jeremy Maggs at the time responded to media enquiries as to why Kanthan Pillay was appointed in this position.

eNCA then fired Kanthan Pillay as eNCA's director of news following shocking allegations of racism and newsroom censorship after a scandal 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 an eNCA and called Samkele Maseko and others leaving eNCA "rats" who are going to a "sinking ship" meaning the SABC.

In December 2019, after the firing of Kantan Pillay and with Jeremy Maggs who said that he regretted hiring Kanthan Pillay, the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) welcomed the decision and said that it's calling for an investigation into how a politician was appointed to a senior position in a newsroom. Nothing happened.

ALSO READ: TV REVIEW. In their Zuma Arrest Watch coverage SABC News won the night as eNCA devolved into opinion-tainment and Newzroom Afrika faded; eNCA reporter Siphamandla Goge the most valuable player.

SABC News reporter Samkele Maseko slapped, strangled in violent attack trying to cover Jacob Zuma protestors, threats to burn media vehicle.

by Thinus Ferreira

Journalists and TV reporters trying to cover the Jacob Zuma protestors at Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal were physically and verbally harassed including the SABC News (DStv 404) reporter Samkele Maseko who was interrupted during his live reporting, while threats were made a media vehicle would be set alight.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) said in a statement on Sunday that it is "deeply worried and equally outraged by the brazen physical and verbal abuse of journalists by supporters of former president Jacob Zuma outside his Nkandla home".

SANEF chairperson, Sbu Ngalwa on Sunday witnessed the violent attack and had to step in to rescue Maseko.

Hebanna! reporters go through the most to get us the story. @SABCNews appreciation post #ZumaJudgement #amabutho #bekelebeke #ZumaConCourtRuling pic.twitter.com/Xk9ZHPffU9

— Lerato (@LeratoMabs) July 3, 2021

"I pulled him out as he was being attacked, strangled and slapped by one of the supporters," said Sbu Ngalwa in the statement. Samekele Maseko was one of the journalists being targeted by Jacob Zuma supporters. 

Video footage from Saturday shows a supporter pushing him away and asking him to leave Nkandla.

Since Friday, journalists have come under severe attacks while waiting for law enforcement agencies to execute a Constitutional Court ruling. 

Jacob Zuma was given until the end of Sunday to hand himself to the police and begin serving his 15-month sentence. The Court ruling found him guilty of contempt of court. Thousands of supporters and former ANC leaders have flocked to Nkandla to support Zuma.

Apart from supporters swearing and hurling verbal taunts at journalists, Edward Zuma, Zuma's eldest son, also threatened to burn one of the media vehicles parked outside his father’s house.

"We remind all supporters and the Jacob Zuma family and other former ANC leaders who also pitched up to support the former president that journalists have a right to cover the events. They were not trespassing, nor did they breach any privacy or court regulations," says SANEF.

Phathiswa Magopeni, the head of SABC News, says "We are extremely concerned about the ongoing bullying, intimidation and harassment of our journalists".

"Such conduct erodes media freedom, undermines the public's right to know, and has no place in our democracy. We urge the public to allow journalists a safe space to practice their craft without hindrance and use designated complaints agencies to raise any concerns of unfair coverage."

SANEF says that it is "also concerned that these kinds of attacks are a direct breach of the South African constitution that protects media freedom and access to information and by extension the right for journalists to do their work".

"The impunity in which the Jacob Zuma supporters have acted says a lot about the climate that has been enabled for such attacks to happen without consequence. We urge Zuma, and senior leaders supporting him, to curtail and condemn such attacks by calling on his family and supporters to cease and desist from such actions."

"We also wish to express our concern over the deafening silence from the country’s national and provincial assemblies, including law enforcement in the region. Such silence inadvertently condones the continuation of bullying and intimidation of journalists."

"We note that Zuma’s supporters were not wearing masks and therefore call on journalists to be cautious of all Covid-19 regulations bearing in mind the deadly new Delta strain."

Coronavirus: Two SABC staffers including Pretoria assignment editor and Durban logistics manager have died from Covid-19.

by Thinus Ferreira

Two staffers from the South African public broadcaster died on Sunday because of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

It bring to 4 the total of South African media workers who have so far died from Covid-19, after the death of the e.tv and eNCA cameraman Lungile Tom at eMedia in May, and eNCA graphic designer Michael Wilson in July 2020.

Mike Conradie (61), a provincial logistics manager at the SABC in KwaZulu-Natal died on Sunday from Covid-19. He was admitted to a Durban hospital's ICU two weeks ago with a viral lung infection. He tested positive for Covid-19 last week Monday. Mike Conradie is the second worker at the SABC who has died from Covid-19.

Busani Mthembu, SABC acting provincial general manager in KwaZulu-Natal, said that Mike Conradie who has worked for the SABC for 39 years and who started out in the SABC's sales department, was "very, very dependable. He was very, very humble and he worked extremely hard".

Tumelo Matloha (48), an SABC assignment news editor in Pretoria, also died from Covid-19. According to the SABC he has been working for the public broadcaster for 24 years since he joined as an intern in 1996.

Tumelo Matloha got flu-like symptoms that refused to go away and he was diagnosed as Covid-19 positive after a test and was admitted to hospital on 9 August.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) in a statement on Tuesday said that it "extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of two media workers from the SABC as a result of Covid-19".

"Covid 19- has claimed the lives of 3 journalists to date and infected many more in news organisations throughout the country. This highlights the dangers journalists and media workers face on a daily basis both as frontline and essential workers."

"We thus call on all leaders in civil society, the corporate sector, government and community to support the role of the media and journalists."

"We call on all media companies to assist journalists and media workers with protective gear and for journalists to be extra careful and follow all safety precautions. We also call on media companies, where possible, to assist journalists with trauma counselling."

Special SANEF documentary to be broadcast across eNCA, Newzroom Afrika and SABC News this weekend about how the South African news media have been covering the Covid-19 pandemic.

by Thinus Ferreira

A special documentary by the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) to highlight the courage and resilience of the South African news media during, and covering, the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic will be broadcast this weekend across the country's TV news channels on eNCA (DStv 403), Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) and SABC News (DStv 404).

Produced by SANEF, Recognising the media's courage in covering Covid: A SANEF documentary will be shown on eNCA (DStv 403) tonight (Saturday 22 August) on eNCA at 20:00,, on Newzroom Afrika at 20:00, and on Sunday morning, 23 August on SABC News at 09:00 as part of the weekly Media Monitor programme. 

After the broadcast on eNCA, SABC News and Newzroom Africa, the documentary will be uploaded and be available to stream on the official SANEF YouTube page.

Repeats of the documentary for all of the channels are not available but Recognising the media's courage in covering Covid: A SANEF documentary will have a rebroadcast on eNCA on Saturday 22 August at 21:30 and on Sunday 23 August at 01:00.

SANEF commissioned the special documentary to commemorate the vital role journalists play in our society – especially, in light of the harsh circumstances journalists as individuals find themselves in during the coronavirus pandemic.

Recognising the media's courage in covering Covid: A SANEF documentary was filmed in recent months while South Africa remained under a national Covid-19 lockdown period and regulations and aims to shine a light on the courageous work done by South african journalists on the frontlines in a time of unease and continued stress due to the global pandemic.

South Africa's journalists have continued to work everyday, despite the risk of themselves being infected and also in some instances facing a precarious future. The entire South African media industry has faced mass retrenchments, massive salary cuts and the closure of multiple media houses.

"Set against the backdrop of a country plagued with corruption and economic inequality, the coronavirus lockdown and a world in crisis, SANEF set out to lift the veil and bring to life the heroes that stand behind the headlines as we honour the media with the 2020 Nat Nakasa Award," says Mahlatse Mahlase, SANEF chairperson.

"Our journalists have played a vital role on the frontlines in 2020 as we face the pandemic head on, and will be honoured with a collection of true contemporary stories shared by so many of our countries' most seasoned journalists and media voices as they unmask - literally - the day-to-day struggles faced in their plight to provide us with unbiased and in-depth coverage of current affairs."

SANEF says that its management committee and independent judges took the decision that "all journalists working tirelessly across the country and in our communities deserve the Nat Nakasa Award for the courage that they have displayed".

"For many it is tough to listen to the news, let alone the toll it takes on those who are experiencing, dissecting and reporting on the current realities faced by our country and the world as a whole," says Mahlatse Mahlase.

"Disease, poverty, displacement, hunger, brutality, gender-based violence, corruption, looting, and the rising Covid-19 death toll are just some of the headlines we’ve come to read – and expect – each day as we open our eyes in South Africa."

"But in this we forget that it is often about people, and that these stories are brought to us by people – all while managing very personal experiences such as risk to their own families through exposure to the virus, police brutality as well as the very real and very harsh impact of a loss of income and their own livelihoods."

"Journalists have continued to do what they do, often with a window on the world that is as real for them as the people they are documenting," says Mahlatse Mahlase.