National 9.12.2013 11.29 am Why was Cape Times editor dismissed – Sanef

No fear No Favour No Press Freedom against zuma please




National 9.12.2013 11.29 am

The reasons behind the sudden dismissal of Cape Times editor Alide Dasnois must be revealed, the SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) said on Monday.

“In the absence of a statement from the Cape Times or Sekunjalo Holdings the new owner of Independent Newspapers explaining why Dasnois was suddenly dismissed, Sanef is concerned whether it has any connection with the publication of a story in the newspaper on Friday,” it said in a statement.

On Sunday, the Mail&Guardian reported that Dasnois was informed of her removal on Friday, and that Monday’s edition of the newspaper would be edited by Western Cape group editor Chris Whitfield.

“I am in the process of seeking legal advice,” Dasnois told the Mail&Guardian at the time.

The story in question, which appeared in the newspaper on Friday, apparently dealt with a finding by the Public Protector that the awarding of a fisheries tender by the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries department to Sekunjalo Marine Services Consortium was “improper”.

The consortium is a subsidiary of Sekunjalo Holdings.

Sekunjalo Investments subsequently sent a lawyer’s letter to the Cape Times claiming the story was inaccurate. The company also apparently threatened to sue the newspaper, editor, and journalist involved for damages.

Sanef said it was “shocked” and “concerned” at the situation.

“Sanef condemns any interference with the independence of editors and journalists when carrying out their duties. We call on Sekunjalo Holdings to clarify the issues relating to Dasnois’s sudden dismissal without delay and to desist from making threats against the staffers.”

Comment from Independent Newspapers was not immediately available.

- Sapa

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