The editor of the Mail & Guardian newspaper, Ferial Haffajee, was elected chairperson of the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) at its annual general meeting (AGM) in East London on Monday.
Thabo Leshilo, editor of the Sowetan and Sunday World newspapers, was elected deputy chairperson.
Sanef is a gathering of South African editors and trainers formed to ”watchdog” press-freedom issues and promote development and diversity in the media.
Haffajee took over the reins from veteran journalist Joe Thloloe, who stepped down.
At the meeting, Sanef noted the appointment by South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) group CEO Dali Mpofu of a commission of inquiry into allegations of editorial impropriety within the SABC’s news division.
The AGM expressed the hope that the hearings will be open to the public, Sanef said in a statement on Tuesday. It encouraged its members to involve themselves with the commission and insist on their rights to be heard on issues that concern the public broadcaster to ensure that it lives up to its mandate.
Sanef has also resolved to request an urgent meeting with the presiding officers of Parliament regarding the conflict over the location of the Press Gallery Association (PGA).
The PGA, responsible for the coverage of Parliament, has faced three years of uncertainty about its accommodation and services, which are essential to ensure the free flow of information out of the legislature.
Sanef said it will also pay attention to the challenges faced by senior female journalists in the South African media — this after the release of a study that found that many women in the industry still face serious obstacles in achieving leadership positions.