SANEF holds ‘candid, honest engagement’ with government communicators
South African National Editors’ Forum
SANEF welcomes the constructive and open engagement held with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on 22 April 2025.
The meeting, held in a spirit of mutual respect, proved to be a significant step forward in addressing longstanding concerns and reaffirming the critical role of the media in our constitutional democracy.
SANEF Chairperson Makhudu Sefara opened the discussion by providing context on the forum’s repeated attempts to foster dialogue with the government. He reflected the widespread frustration among editors and journalists regarding limited access to key government leaders and called for more transparent and regular interactions.
In response, the acting DDG: Inter-Governmental Coordination and Stakeholder Management, William Baloyi, acknowledged the challenges. He offered a formal apology for the exclusion of some journalists during a recent Eastern Cape presidential visit and undertook to review communication protocols to prevent similar issues in the future.
The meeting was notable for its candid tone and honest exchange. SANEF raised several key issues, including consistent and inclusive briefings, equitable access for all media platforms, and a more responsive communication framework.
Its management committee leaders reiterated the urgency of discussing broader policy concerns, such as media sustainability, journalist safety, and the regulatory environment
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation. SANEF appreciates the openness demonstrated by GCIS and believes this engagement has laid the groundwork for a renewed partnership based on trust, accountability, and mutual understanding.
Importantly, GCIS committed to strengthening engagement by having regular meetings, improving coordination, and working collaboratively to ensure that all journalists, regardless of medium, are treated fairly.
Baloyi further emphasised the role of GCIS as the point of contact for resolving media-related issues and pledged to ensure that government communications become more transparent and accessible.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to cooperation and dialogue. SANEF appreciates the spirit of openness demonstrated by the GCIS and believes this engagement has laid the foundation for a renewed partnership based on trust, accountability, and mutual understanding.
Going forward, SANEF will continue to advocate for meaningful, inclusive, and transparent dialogue with all levels of government. As a key pillar of democracy, the media must fulfil its watchdog role of holding power to account, without fear or favour.
- This article was first published here
