ANC welcomes Mantashe’s statement denying bribery allegations
While the South African Editors Forum, the EFF and the DA call for action against ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, the ANC says they welcome Mantashe’s statement denying allegations that he offered journalists money not to print certain stories about him.
The ANC said it is heartened by the fact that Mantashe had assured the nation that he was never involved in unethical and criminal conduct involving journalists.
In a statement, the party maintains it has no culture or policy of buying journalists, as “bribing journalists is not only criminal and unethical, it is also inconsistent with the values of the ANC”.
“For the ANC, media freedom and the independence of the media are sacrosanct. The 54th National Conference of the ANC acknowledged the critical role of the media in shaping debates and setting an agenda in society. In this regard, the ANC believes that the integrity, credibility and independence of the media remain non-negotiable.
“The ANC will continue to defend the media’s right to report without fear or favour. During the drafting of the constitution, the ANC was clear and vociferous on protecting and defending media freedom. Members of the fourth estate must be allowed to do their job openly and freely. The contribution of the media in the creation and consolidation of a free, just and democratic South Africa is fully acknowledged and not in dispute.”
Meanwhile, parties have called for heads to roll following a report in the Sunday World that Mantashe had a romantic relationship with a student and paid journalists R70,000 to keep their silence on the subject.
The EFF called for Mantashe to step down as both members of parliament and minister, while the DA laid a complaint against him at parliament’s ethics committee.
This was followed by Sanef, who in a letter demanded a response from Mantashe on him allegedly paying a bribe to a Sunday World journalist. The editor’s forum has tasked Mantashe to respond within seven days.
