Sanef queries Zondo commission rules as chair slams ‘money-hungry’ media
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) says it’s deeply concerned by comments by the chair of the commission of inquiry into state capture, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Sanef believes a regulation that prohibits news makers from publishing evidence before its set to be delivered, is an infringement of free and fair reporting.
Zondo didn’t mince his words on Tuesday after Sunday newspapers published information from former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi’s sworn affidavit – before his testimony.
He lashed out at the publications, saying their management didn’t act in the interest of the public but wanted to advance their own agendas.
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“It’s wrong. It’s unacceptable. It undermines the work of this commission, and for what? A scoop? Making profits?”
Sanef’s Mary Papayya says they have requested a meeting with Zondo and officials of the commission to reiterate their dismay at the regulations.
She alleges the forum approached the officials last year to request that journalist be exempted from the rule but “unfortunately the meeting never took place.”
“We believe that these regulations criminalise journalism.”
Zondo challenged editors to raise their dispute in a court of law.