The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) expressed shock at Gwede Mantashe's revelation that he had bribed two unidentified Sunday World journalists to stop them from publishing a story about his relationship with a student. Sunday World revealed that the mineral and energy affairs minister had paid the journalists R70,000 to destroy the story's supporting evidence.
As this matter is in contravention of Section 2 of the Press Council Code, Sanef has asked that the minister reveal the journalists involved. Sanef has also expressed its support for Sunday World's investigation into the matter as well as its decision to dismiss the journalists should they be found to have taken the bribe. Additionally, Sanef wants Sunday World to ensure that all its journalists sign pledges to ensure ethical journalism.
Sanef will also add a specific clause to its "draft rules of engagement" with political parties to call for politicians to support an outright ban on any form of "brown envelope" journalism.
