By Loxion News Reporter
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has firmly denied allegations that it failed to act on claims involving former chairperson Makhudu Sefara and the alleged disproportionate allocation of National Lotteries Commission (NLC) advertising to Sunday World.
The controversy follows Sefara’s recent decision to step down from his leadership role after a statement by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) alleged that he received lottery funds that were not used for their intended purposes. Sefara has publicly denied any wrongdoing.
Background to the Dispute
At the heart of the matter is a long-standing dispute between Sunday World and GroundUp, originating from a 2023 article that raised concerns about the allocation of NLC advertising.
SANEF emphasised that the issue sparked significant internal debate and was handled with what it described as “seriousness and procedural fairness.”
Independent Panel Appointed
In response to the allegations, SANEF appointed an independent review panel in June 2024 to investigate the matter and recommend appropriate actions.
The panel was led by respected media academic Guy Berger, alongside SANEF founding member Sibusiso Mngadi.
SANEF highlighted the credibility and independence of both individuals, stating that neither had any vested interest in the outcome of the investigation.
Dispute Over Claims of Inaction
SANEF has strongly rejected claims by Nathan Geffen that the organisation ignored the issue.
According to SANEF, Geffen was actively involved in discussions and attended meetings where the matter—including the panel’s findings—was debated at council level.
The organisation maintains that the issue was thoroughly considered by its council, which consists of 25 members, with broader participation from general members during deliberations.
New Allegations Shift the Focus
SANEF clarified that its initial investigation focused on whether Sunday World received disproportionate advertising funding from the National Lotteries Commission and whether this influenced editorial content.
At that stage, there were no allegations of personal financial benefit to Sefara.
However, SANEF noted that the situation has since evolved following the SIU’s claims that Sefara may have personally benefited from the funds. As a result, the organisation has now appointed a legal team to assess the latest developments.
Call for Responsible Journalism
Amid growing tensions, SANEF has urged media organisations and journalists to prioritise ethical reporting and avoid sensationalism.
“We call on media houses and colleagues to report fairly and accurately, in the interest of journalism,” the organisation said.
What Happens Next
With a legal review now underway, the matter is expected to attract further scrutiny as investigations continue into the handling of NLC funds and the broader implications for media ethics in South Africa.
The outcome could have significant consequences for both media accountability and public trust in journalism institutions.
