The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has expressed their deep concern by allegations from former senior eNCA journalist, Samkele Maseko that eNCA’s Kanthan Pillay had censored stories in the newsroom.
"The censoring of journalists, who report in ethical and responsible ways is anathema in our industry and should always be strongly condemned," said SANEF.
SANEF says media freedom is a critical part of a healthy and functional democracy and should be fiercely protected by all South Africans.
They said they would write to eNCA management to request a meeting and to seek clarity on Mr. Pillay’s position.
"The allegations of censorship against a senior editorial executive at eNCA go against the principles that SANEF holds dear. SANEF, therefore, calls on eNCA to immediately get to the bottom of these allegations against Pillay."
Maseko has agreed to approach Judge Kathleen Satchwell and the Media Ethics and Credibility Inquiry to discuss these issues further.
Maseko and Pillay got involved in a Twitter spat which led to Pillay deleting his account.
Maseko no longer works at ENCA.
