/ 31 January 2014

Corrections and clarifications: 2014

December 12
The Mail & Guardian (December 12) published a headline stating “Down’s syndrome: Concourt allows mother to appeal“. The more accurate case is the law provides that mothers are already allowed to seek legal action for cases regarding their children. But here, the case is that a child is now allowed to seek legal action against doctors for something that happened before they were born, through a representative. The headline now reads: “High court ordered to hear Down’s case“.

September 5
In “Playing in the shadow of asbestos mine dumps“, Bulembu Ministries has raised sharp objections to an earlier version of this report, and on the advice of the M&G‘s Ombud, some additions have been made:  

  • After the paragraph dealing with measurement, the following: “Bulembu Ministries says the measurement at most sites revealed no asbestos in the air at all. At just two sites, low levels were found, which are however well below the level of 0.1 fibres / ml of air that is the limit accepted in SA law. Swaziland does not have its own legal limit, but follows the South African approach.” 
  • After the paragraph referring to rehabilitation: “Bulembu Ministries says it has spent about R 4-million contouring the tailings to prevent erosion and has covered about 2 hectares with organic matter to promote plant growth. This was done under the supervision of a firm of Canadian Consulting Engineers. A complete rehabilitation would cost in the region of R70-R100 million. The responsibility, and any associated liability, of the mine tailings lies with the Government of Swaziland. Bulembu is currently working with the Swaziland Environmental Authority to find a way forward to raise the necessary funding to do so.”  
  • After the reference to the price: “CORRECTION: Bulembu Ministries has pointed out that this was for a share in the property-holding company.”

August 20
Welcome back home’ – The return of Nat Nakasa“. In a previous version of this story, we incorrectly stated that the Sanef statement was read by Mpumelelo Mkhabela. It was in fact read by executive director Mathatha Tsedu.

June 12
In “Parliamentary committee changes will benefit ANC“, the headline previously read “Parliamentary committee changes will challenge ANC”. This is incorrect and has been changed. We apologise for the error.

May 30
The Mail & Guardian (May 9 – 15) reported that the Times of Swaziland‘s managing editor, Martin Dlamini, is on King Mswati’s payroll as his correspondent. Mr Dlamini acts as Mswati’s speechwriter and correspondent, and travels regularly with him at the king’s expense. However, the M&G accepts his assurance that he is not on the king’s payroll. Mr Dlamini also stated that he regards the trial of editor Bheki Makhubu as a simple matter of contempt of court and not a press freedom issue.