THE editor of one of South Africa’s largest rural newspapers, Lowvelder, has resigned amidst allegations of racism and public drunkenness. Eben Burger was suspended and charged with gross misconduct after a black staff member at the Nelspruit-based newspaper allegedly overheard him making racist comments at the Lowveld Airshow last month. An internal disciplinary committee heard additional unrelated charges of sexual harassment, public drunkenness, managerial irregularities and public misconduct. Burger, who joined the Lowvelder in November 2000, resigned before the disciplinary hearing could be finalised. Lowvelder managing director Brian Moult confirmed the resignation and staff complaints in a terse statement on Wednesday. The Lowvelder, which publishes twice per week, is the second largest sold newspaper in the Caxton group’s stable of roughly 115 advertising-supported local newspapers. – African Eye News