Tokyo Sexwale’s Mvelaphanda group was recently reported to be seeking a stake in the Mail &Guardian. Drew Forrest quizzed M&G proprietor Trevor Ncube about these reports, his media philosophy and the growing anti-media clamour in ruling circles.
What has Sexwale put on the table?
It’s not true that Mvela has bought a stake in the Mail & Guardian. I can confirm that we’re in discussion with a number of market players, but I’m not in a position to say who they are.
Are you talking to Mvela-phanda?
I can’t confirm that.
You own 87,5% of the M&G. Would you relinquish control?
I won’t relinquish overall control, and any successful discussion will be with people who share our vision and passion for press freedom and editorial independence.
Why are people talking to us?
Because of the brand we’ve created and its value, which is all about independent editorial thinking and integrity.
Also, we are far from achieving our vision of a pan-African media house.
What are these suitors after?
We’ve become serious players in South Africa’s media space and a serious asset.
One thing that attracts everyone is our fierce independence. That’s our only currency, and we won’t compromise it.
Isn’t it possible that some of them have a political agenda?
One gets the sense that there is a growing consensus around the importance of independent media in building our democracy.
Some players are prepared to underwrite this important institution, and would not want to jeopardise their investment by compromising the M&G‘s credibility.
Would you build in additional safeguards against political interference?
Absolutely. We’re talking about strengthening our editorial charter, which will remain under editorial control, and anyone wanting a stake would have to understand that. It’s a deal-breaker.
What about a Guardian-style editorial trust as a buffer between editorial and management?
At some point I could move on. In that case a blind trust, in which I would have no interest, might be necessary to protect editorial from myself.
How do you view Koni Media’s bid to take over the Sunday Times?
We must always be worried when people near the centre of power get involved in media — and I speak from experience.
In 1995 I was fired as editor of Zimbabwe’s Financial Gazette after the proprietor, Elias Rusiki, publicly attacked me for being too strident about Robert Mugabe.
The media is a powerful instrument; in the hands of the wrong people it can be abused.
Does the growing anti-media clamour in the ANC worry you?
I think storm clouds are gathering, which is to be expected as the political heat rises.
Nowhere in the world do politicians believe in media freedom — we have to fight for every inch of the space we have, otherwise they’ll take it away.
I’m worried by the parallels with Zimbabwe, where the ruling party also told us ‘we fought for these freedoms’.
But I take comfort from the fact that South Africa has an excellent Constitution, vibrant civil society and strong media.
It’s going to be much harder to attack media freedom here.