Sanef Media Statement : July 17 2014

The South African National Editors' Forum would like to correct an impression, sustained through public repetition of false statements, that it is responsible for choosing winners of the prestigious annual Nat Nakasa award for courageous journalism (see Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya's opinion piece in the Pretoria News here).

The truth is that winners of this award are chosen by an independent panel of three judges upon receipt of nominations. The award is a joint initiative of Print and Digital Media South Africa, the Nieman Society of Southern Africa and Sanef. The judges neither consults nor seek concurrence with any of these organisations before selecting and announcing a worthy winner.

That the award is presented at a Sanef dinner does not mean Sanef makes any contribution in the selection process. The most recent recipient of the award, Alide Dasnois, was unanimously chosen by a panel that consisted of veteran journalist Joe Thloloe, senior lecturer in journalism Dr Simphiwe Sesanti and retired newspaper editor Peter Sullivan. Dr Sesanti read the citation.

Columns and news articles that suggest the awarding of the Nat Nakasa award is a decision of Sanef are inaccurate.

Statement issued by Mpumelelo Mkhabela, Sanef Chairperson, July 17 2014

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