The editor of fashion magazine Elle, Cynthia Vongai, resigned on Monday after a column was published in a daily newspaper crediting her and not the original author.
Vongai said in a statement on Monday that since the publication of the article two weeks ago there had been many questions about the origination of the article and ”attacks on my journalistic credibility as well as on the credibility of journalism in this country”.
She said the article in question was sourced by her from a website called Askmen.com.
”I did not credit the source of the article before publication in the Sowetan due to an inadvertent mistake.
”I take full responsibility for my mistake. This mistake has consequently cost me an amazing career opportunity and has resulted in my professional credibility being questioned.
”It has also caused embarrassment to Johnnic Communications and Elle magazine, which is sincerely regretted,” she said.
Vongai said in the best interests of all parties concerned ”I relinquish my post as editor of Elle magazine and resign”.
She said the events that had led to her resignation were a hard lesson for her, which she believed would in the long run make her a more conscientious journalist.
”The decision to resign has not been an easy one, particularly in the light of the fact that I was the editor of an amazing brand, my successful contribution to the brand since I became editor, that I worked with dynamic people in Johnnic Communications and my overall success as a journalist in this country.
”I nevertheless believe that my decision to resign was correct in the interests of all those affected by my mistake,” she said.
Johnnic Communications in a statement said Vongai took full responsibility for her actions in bringing Johnnic Communications and Elle into disrepute.
”Cynthia has formally apologised to the management of Johnnic Communications for her actions.
”Furthermore, she has voluntarily tendered her resignation, which the company has accepted.”
Johnnic Communications regretted the incident given Cynthia’s valuable contribution as editor of Elle to date.
”In terms of our code and conduct, we believe that the decision is in the best interests of all parties concerned,” Johnnic Communications said. — Sapa