DA accepts M&G apology and constructive engagement

19 February 2016

The DA has noted and accepts the apology published by the Mail & Guardian (M&G) today for leading with a misinformed and ill-advised story on 29 January, titled “Educating Mmusi: Is FW tutoring him?” The M&G further neglected to follow due process for the article on page 4 of the same publication, titled “Who is in the brains trust?”

We commend the M&G for their constructive engagement on the issue, and for the steps taken to address the matter. 

As a political party we do not shy away from scrutiny, but we will stand up to abuses and failures of media ethics when we see them. We must be able to apply the same pressure for integrity that is expected of us. 

This matter will also be instructive for other media outlets that frequently rely solely on a tiny handful of nameless sources, without any serious effort to establish the veracity of rumours. 

A healthy and robust media contributes to a democratic consciousness in our society, but must be done on the basis of fact – not rumour and speculation. 

The M&G has a proud track record of path-leading journalism, and it is not in the interests of a vibrant democracy and a free press to have the M&G suffer critical damage to its credibility. 

The M&G’s constructive approach to dealing with the matter, however, shows that self-regulation can work and that there is no need for draconian censorship measures, such as the proposed media tribunal, that threatens the freedom of the press.

Statement issued by Phumzile Van Damme MP, DA National Spokesperson, 19 February 2016