By Loxion News Staff Writer
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has launched a bold campaign titled “Appointment with the President”, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to honour a long-overdue meeting with the country’s media. The announcement coincides with World News Day 2025 (28 September) and the International Day for Universal Access to Information, both of which spotlight the critical role of free, fair, and accessible journalism in sustaining democracy.
Silence from the Union Buildings
SANEF’s frustration stems from the fact that President Ramaphosa has not held an open engagement with editors and senior journalists since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/21. At the time, he pledged to steer South Africa through the crisis and tackle corruption. Four years later, however, his silence has grown louder—even as the nation faces escalating crime, corruption, service delivery failures, and a struggling economy.
“It is unfathomable that the President avoids the very platforms that allow him to explain himself and his government to the citizens of South Africa,” said SANEF Chairperson Makhudu Sefara.
Hosting the World, Ignoring Home
The timing of the campaign is no coincidence. South Africa will host the G20 Summit in November 2025, a historic diplomatic moment. While President Ramaphosa is preparing to engage world leaders, SANEF argues he has neglected the opportunity to engage with his own citizens through their editors and journalists.
International voices have echoed this concern. Antony Sguazzin, Africa Senior Reporter for Bloomberg News, said regular dialogue with the press would give South Africans and the world clarity on the President’s plans to revive the economy, strengthen law enforcement, and navigate global geopolitics.
World News Day: Journalism as a Safeguard
SANEF’s campaign ties directly to World News Day, marked by over 100 countries and thousands of journalists worldwide. The day is a reminder of journalism’s role in defending democracy.
Branko Brkic, Founder of Project Kontinuum and Co-Founder of Daily Maverick, described the day as “a rallying point” for editors and publishers to showcase ethical, impactful journalism.
David Walmsley, President of the World Editors Forum, added: “At our best, we are brave, independent, insatiably curious, and resolute in the pursuit of the truth.”
Why the Call Matters
For SANEF, this is not just about journalists demanding access—it’s about the public’s right to information. When leaders avoid media scrutiny, speculation and misinformation thrive, eroding trust in government and democracy itself.
The campaign also aligns with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which has long stressed that no democracy can function without an informed citizenry. South Africa’s Constitution, the African Charter, and international conventions all affirm the people’s right to receive information.
A Call to Journalists and Citizens
SANEF is calling on South Africa’s newsrooms to use World News Day to recommit to fairness, accuracy, and accountability. Journalists are urged to highlight their best work, while citizens are encouraged to support fact-based reporting over rumours and misinformation.
As the G20 Summit approaches, SANEF insists that true leadership must begin at home—with transparency, dialogue, and accountability.
“The first step is simple: keep your appointment, Mr President. The nation is waiting—and so are we,” SANEF concluded.
About SANEF
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation representing editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers across the country. Dedicated to defending media freedom and promoting ethics in journalism, SANEF works through research, training, and policy advocacy.
