Sanef calls on Mbalula to back up claim of 'captured journalists shaping political agendas'
'At the same time, we challenge Mbalula to report any instance of suspected criminal conduct by journalists to the law enforcement agencies. As a former cabinet minister, we expect him to know which law enforcement door to knock on.
'If there is any rot, Sanef is willing to address it, but cannot do so if it has not been brought to our attention.'
Moalusi said South African journalists have covered stories on all political parties fairly, without fear or favour for many years. The organisation's commitment to advocate for journalists to conduct themselves in an ethical, balanced and unbiased manner.
'Ethics and balanced reporting are the cornerstone of journalism. This is not to say that journalists are without flaws or beyond criticism.'
He said Mbalula's conduct could potentially compromise media freedom and public trust in the media.
'Mbalula is not only a leader in the ANC but also in society, and his words are not without consequences. At a time when the media is working to challenge disinformation and misinformation, Mbalula's accusation — that the media is behind the spread of disinformation and misinformation — is not helpful.'
TimesLIVE
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Eyewitness News
an hour ago
- Eyewitness News
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi defends BEE reform plan as over 19,000 public submissions pour in
CAPE TOWN - Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said they've received more than 19000 public submissions on his regulations aimed at easing certain Black Economic Empowerment requirements for multinationals like Starlink. Malatsi also repeated calls for the need for the policy directive on equity equivalence, instead of companies offering a 30% stake to local investors, a requirement Starlink owner Elon Musk has slammed as being racially bias. But the African National Congress (ANC) has accused Malatsi of failing to build on the ANC's transformation agenda from the previous administration in transforming the digital sector. READ: EFF says won't allow Starlink in SA, calls company a security threat MPs were debating the department's R7.8 billion budget tabled by Malatsi on Friday. Solly Malatsi has for months been trying to convince members of the communications and digital technologies oversight committee on the need for a new policy direction. He said his regulations on equity equivalence and easing bee regulations have created a lot of interest from the public despite questions around Starlink. "This provides clarity and certainty while ensuring that global companies meet transformation obligations through a variety of intervention including skills development, SMME support and shared infrastructure investment. We have received more than 19,000 submissions in the public consultation process." But the ANC's Shaik Subrathie said his party's assessment reflects the current administration's 'troubling departure' from a pro-poor digital agenda and favouring companies like Starlink. "The minister's approach to Starlink reveals the fundamental disregard for the principle of equality before the law."
The Herald
2 hours ago
- The Herald
MK Party urges patience as Zuma 'narrows down' shortlist of candidates for new secretary-general
The MK Party has called on its supporters to be patient as party leader Jacob Zuma finalises the appointment of a new secretary-general to succeed Floyd Shivambu. 'The president will soon call the national leadership and announce who will take over the SG position. He is still assessing, he asked that he not be rushed because he doesn't want to repeat past mistakes,' the party's head of presidency Magasela Mzobe said in Durban on Friday. 'Many people are eyeing the position but the president's priority is a candidate who can maintain stability and respect the chain of command without letting the role's importance go to their head,' he added. Mzobe was addressing MK Party supporters who had come to back former youth leader Bonginkosi Khanyile in his civil unrest trial at the Durban high court. Khanyile is facing charges of incitement of violence and contraventions of the Disaster Management Act related to the July 2021 civil unrest that followed Zuma's incarceration for contempt of court. Khanyile has often been mentioned as a possible candidate for the SG role since Shivambu's removal and on Friday party supporters chanted his name as Mzobe spoke about the position. His longtime ally Philani 'Gazuzu' Nduli, who is also a leader in the party's youth structures, has been campaigning for him on social media. However, Mzobe warned against speculation, saying Zuma was on the cusp of naming the new appointee. 'Let's not disturb him by bringing up names, he's almost there. He has narrowed down his shortlist of candidates from seven names to three and if we can give him a week he may reach a decision on that one name.' Shivambu was axed from the position at the beginning of June after a controversy surrounding his unsanctioned Easter visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. Since then, the party has been plagued by internal squabbles in and outside parliament, including the well-publicised conflict between deputy president John Hlophe and Nhlamulo Ndhlela and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and former Mpumalanga leader Mary Phadi torching the party's constitution after losing a court battle to Busisiwe Mkhwabane. Mzobe tried to downplay that, reassuring that supporters that they were 'small issues' instigated by the fallout with Shivambu. 'He (Zuma) wanted to calm your nerves on the media reports that makes it look like the party is in trouble. It's a small issue of a man he entrusted with the role of secretary, but that man acted in his own interests and ultimately had to be removed when more issues came to light about him, both locally and abroad. 'When he was redeployed he thought he was too big in the party to be disciplined and started his movement that we are not involved with as a party. We ask you to not take part in the plans that the comrade is busy with because they are not what the MK stands for.' Shivambu has since taken jibes at the party and has started a 'Mayibuye consultation process', where he is consulting the public on whether he should establish a new party, while maintaining he would remain a member of the MK Party. Khanyile drew parallels between his and Shivambu's situations in the party, pointing out he was also removed from his position as a founding leader of the youth. 'I was sure that I was the most effective leader; a leader with clarity and educated with more than five degrees.' He stated, however, that their responses to those situations differed, pointing out that he remained committed to the party when he was stripped of a position while Shivambu looked to be jumping ship and starting his own party. 'When you think the organisation is mistreating you and remain truthful to the party, that's when we can tell that you're a true volunteer and revolutionary of the organisation. You can't be removed today and tomorrow you're no longer a volunteer, even if you're the most educated and civilised person in society. As you expect to lead, you must also expect to be led.' Khanyile said he was sceptical about the prospects of the Mayibuye process, predicting it would not succeed. He urged supporters to welcome Shivambu back when that eventually happens. 'We don't hate Floyd Shivambu because we are led by president Zuma. He is going to fail in Mayibuye and come back here in the MK. When he does, we must welcome him with a smile and tell him 'Floyd you're not who you think you are, come back home.' Ubaba removes you today and deploys you tomorrow.' TimesLIVE
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at David Mabuza's funeral
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of the late former deputy president David Mabuza, on Saturday, 12 July. Mabuza died at a Johannesburg hospital on Thursday, 3 July, and will be laid to rest in Barberton, Mpumalanga. President Ramaphosa also declared that Mabuza's funeral, which is set to start at 9:00 be conducted in line with the protocols of a State Funeral Category 2. Condolences have been pouring in for Mabuza since his death was confirmed. Several political parties and their leaders have paid tribute to him and acknowledged his role as a unifier. The Presidency said Mabuza played a pivotal role as South Africa's Special Envoy to South Sudan, where he facilitated peace efforts and unity agreements. 'A respected unifier, Mabuza dedicated his leadership to improving the lives of those in the most remote and disadvantaged communities. He also played a key role in mobilising the private sector in the national response to HIV and TB.' As mentioned above, David Mabuza also served as the Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) from December 2017 to December 2022. Also, he served as a member of Parliament from 2018 until his resignation in 2023. Before being appointed deputy president, 'DD' held several positions in government including: Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018 Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture and Land Administration from 2008 to 2009 in Mpumalanga MEC for Roads and Transport from 2007 to 2008 Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature from 2004 to 2007 Member of Parliament (MP) of the Republic of South Africa from 2001 to 2004 Mpumalanga MEC for Housing from 1999 to 2001 MEC for Education between 1994 and 1998 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
