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Daily Maverick
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Africa needs a voice on information integrity and media freedom at G20 Summit
South Africa's G20 presidency shouldn't drop the baton passed by Brazil on this crucial issue that underpins good governance. As leaders of the world's major economies prepare for the November G20 Johannesburg Summit, champions of South Africa's journalism industry are working to ensure that information integrity and media freedom are not overlooked. The two issues are inextricably linked, argue Media Monitoring Africa and the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef). Together, the two organisations are spearheading Media20 (M20) in the lead-up to the G20 talks, to highlight the issues. The United Nations (UN) Global Principles for Information Integrity put freedom of expression, accuracy, reliability and an independent, free and pluralistic media centre-stage. M20 highlights the blind spots in the new artificial intelligence (AI) landscape – especially how citizens receive news and fact-based information online. It warns that 'current trends foresee an increase in low-quality and false information, with increasing AI 'hallucinations' and deceptive deepfakes being produced and circulated'. Traditional journalism is considered an antidote to such falsehoods as 'it debunks lies and exposes information operations', say M20 campaigners. It also 'contributes reliable news and informed comment into the public information ecosystem'. Yet traditional journalism is under threat, with newsrooms struggling to compete with digital platforms due to a complex mix of business, technical and content challenges. Press freedom in G20 countries, 2015-2025 M20 is timely considering that many G20 countries exhibit reduced media freedom, driven by political and economic factors. The recent World Press Freedom Index puts major democracies, including the US and India, in the spotlight (see graph). The defunding of media outlets and newsroom closures such as that of Voice of America, are a significant concern, given their role in highlighting international issues to a broad audience and providing a bulwark against 'fake news'. Furthermore, the index's authors say the US is 'experiencing its first significant and prolonged decline in press freedom in modern history', with more than double the number of journalists arrested in the US than a year ago. Likewise, the index reveals that 80% of the African news networks surveyed have seen their economic indicators 'drop'. This means their subsidies and advertising revenues have declined in the past year, leading some to 'self-censor' for fear of future funding cuts. That doesn't bode well for M20's efforts to campaign on media freedom and integrity at the G20 meetings. At last year's G20 in Brazil, information integrity was prioritised, culminating in a ministerial declaration that without information integrity, trust in public institutions and democracy 'may be affected with negative effects on social cohesion and economic prosperity' and human rights. Many saw it as a bold move. In contrast, under South Africa's G20 presidency, the issue has been somewhat relegated, struggling to get onto the agenda. M20 campaigners note just one 'high-level presentation' on AI-generated deepfakes at a workshop in June as part of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group. 'We do have good relations with the South African government,' says Media Monitoring Africa director William Bird, noting that Pretoria welcomed the M20 campaign. But ultimately 'we want to get information integrity formalised into one of the G20 tracks in future'. That might be a big ask given the range of economic- and development-focused topics the G20 is currently tasked with. However, M20 has found an ally in the French mission to South Africa. Ambassador David Martinon recently hosted a dialogue with other African media policy organisations to 'place media sustainability, independent journalism and information integrity on the global agenda'. While M20 will be confined to the fringes of the heads of state meeting, the French delegation could be a useful vehicle to amplify the issue, albeit informally. In an era of what is often dubbed 'fake news' – but which experts prefer to call 'coordinated inauthentic behaviour' – the language of the information landscape has adopted a more considered definition. It highlights not only inauthentic content but also how algorithms, hate speech and AI-generated deepfakes can pollute the information space, tinkering with content and how it's delivered to us. Bird's efforts to raise the profile of this issue at the Johannesburg G20 are something of a placeholder – with an eye on next year's summit in the US. 'This is a way of providing a base so that work in the US can be built on this,' he says, fearful that under a US G20 presidency the issue could be downplayed or ignored. He says the US administration's record on supporting independent media, including executive orders related to funding public service broadcasters, does not inspire confidence. Although this year's G20 has no working group dedicated to information integrity, the digital economy working group touches on digital innovation and equitable, inclusive and just artificial intelligence. Of course, the G20 is not the only forum to raise such issues. An inquiry by South Africa's Competition Commission identifies generative AI, digital advertising, social media and search engines as challenges to media viability in terms of running media companies and delivering public interest journalism. Research ICT Africa provided expert testimony to that inquiry, highlighting the lack of a level playing field, which disadvantages the Global South. It speaks of big platforms like Meta, X and TikTok having 'algorithm designs that favour foreign media over local sources, subscription models over free content, and YouTube over South African broadcasters'. This undermines local journalism and privileges values and priorities that favour the Global North over the Global South. 'What we are trying to do is future-proof our journalism,' argues Sanef's Izak Minnaar. 'We want global media development issues to focus on Africa and the Global South.' The Competition Commission's inquiry provides leverage for some issues raised by M20. Those behind the campaign want to highlight the journalism aspect of the new media landscape – and not limit it to issues of business equity and media viability. An M20 information integrity summit is scheduled for September in Johannesburg, and more analysis is under way on gender-based violence, online safety and child protection, and journalism as a public good. In this context, information integrity will no doubt become an essential backdrop to the G20 Summit – one of the most important annual events on the geopolitical agenda. DM
The Herald
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Sanef calls on Mbalula to back up claim of 'captured journalists shaping political agendas'
'Sanef is ready to meet Mbalula and his colleagues in the ANC to address any ethical concerns they may have,' executive director Reggy Moalusi said. 'At the same time, we challenge Mbalula to report any instance of suspected criminal conduct by journalists to the law enforcement agencies. As a former cabinet minister, we expect him to know which law enforcement door to knock on. 'If there is any rot, Sanef is willing to address it, but cannot do so if it has not been brought to our attention.' Moalusi said South African journalists have covered stories on all political parties fairly, without fear or favour for many years. The organisation's commitment to advocate for journalists to conduct themselves in an ethical, balanced and unbiased manner. 'Ethics and balanced reporting are the cornerstone of journalism. This is not to say that journalists are without flaws or beyond criticism.' He said Mbalula's conduct could potentially compromise media freedom and public trust in the media. 'Mbalula is not only a leader in the ANC but also in society, and his words are not without consequences. At a time when the media is working to challenge disinformation and misinformation, Mbalula's accusation — that the media is behind the spread of disinformation and misinformation — is not helpful.' TimesLIVE
News24
28-06-2025
- News24
News24 wins big at Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards
Kyle Cowan was named Journalist of the Year for his outstanding investigative work on the Murray murders, and also won in the Investigative Journalism category. Multiple category winners and Hard News commendations showcased News24's diverse journalistic excellence. Ten News24 journalists reached finalist status, demonstrating the publication's commitment to quality journalism and going the extra mile to tell South African stories. News24 was the biggest winner in the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards in Johannesburg on Saturday evening. Ten News24 journalists were announced as finalists in the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, which are hosted in partnership with the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) annually. News24 investigative journalist Kyle Cowan was announced as the journalist of the year for his outstanding investigative work on the double murder of liquidators, Cloete and Thomas Murray. Cowan was also announced as the winner in the Investigative Journalism category. The Murrays were killed when a gunman opened fire on their car at the New Road off-ramp in Midrand, Johannesburg on a Saturday afternoon in March 2023. They had spent the morning with siblings Rushil and Nishani Singh and an auctioneer, preparing for the Singh properties to be auctioned on behalf of their client, Investec, which was trying to recoup its money. The Singhs had multiple Investec loans and bonds for properties worth more than R550 million. READ | Unravelling the assassination of Cloete and Thomas Murray It was revealed through an investigation that they secured the loans fraudulently. According to the judges, Cowan 'showed remarkable ability and tenacity in uncovering the story'. Lisalee Solomons and Nicole McCain received a commendation in the Hard News category for their exclusive story on George building collapse survivor Delvin Safers: 'Please help us get out': Trapped survivor speaks from beneath rubble of collapsed George building. Safers spoke exclusively to News24, minutes before his cellphone battery died, while he was trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed five-storey building. The 29-year-old had worked at the construction site as an electrician, along with his father, on the day of the collapse. Luke Daniel and Marvin Charles were announced as winners in the Features – Broadcast category for the feature No Place to Call Home – a documentary which tells the stories of Cape Town residents who are grappling with a housing crisis that is pushing them to the brink of eviction, growing informal settlements and homelessness. WATCH | No Place to Call Home: Cape Town's housing crisis Daniel also received a special commendation in the Feature Photographs category for his body of work on the News24 On the Road 2025 Elections Tour – a countrywide election tour across South Africa in one car, capturing the mood of everyday South Africans about the 2025 national elections. Alex Patrick, Jeff Wicks and Sharlene Rood were announced as winners in the Visual Journalism category for their visual investigation Final Footsteps – The Kirsten Kluyts Murder. Kluyts was attacked and murdered while taking part in an organised running event in Sandton on the morning of 29 October 2023. News24's visual investigation used state-of-the-art 3D modelling to retrace Kluyts' final footsteps, drawing from cellphone triangulation data, CCTV footage, court filings as well as a tracking tag she had worn on her wrist that day. SEE | Final Footsteps – The Kirsten Kluyts Murder Garth Theunissen was announced as a winner in the Columns category for his opinion pieces, which covered a range of topics, including economic policy, the SA Reserve Bank and the EFF and MK Party's manifestos. William Brederode was announced as a runner-up in the Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year category. News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson said the awards were a testament to the commitment of News24's journalists to go the extra mile in telling the stories of South Africa. 'Kyle's investigation has exposed more about the Murray murders than the official police probe. It is a crying shame that journalists now have to do the work of law enforcement agencies, but we are eternally grateful to our loyal subscribers and the Media24 management for investing in our capacity to uncover the facts.' Basson said he was particularly proud of News24's broadcast award, where the publication competed against established television shows. Convener of judges Lizeka Mda said: 'We continue to be grateful to Standard Bank for their unstinting support and commitment to quality journalism. Sanef also deserves hearty thanks for organising the awards and tonight's ceremony.'
TimesLIVE
20-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Sanef condemns threats to journalists who work professionally and ethically
The South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) has condemned actions of a Durban businessman who recently threatened a Sunday Times journalist who had called him for comment. Siqu Zungu allegedly threatened Sunday Times senior journalist Isaac Mahlangu when he was called for a comment for an article about him leaving a R12m penthouse owned by a Johannesburg doctor, Blaine Bloy, in which he lived rent-free for about three years before he was recently evicted. Zungu said the journalist should ensure that he gets bodyguards after writing the article about him. The businessman was evicted from a luxury Umhlanga penthouse, which he left with extensive damage, including a broken bathtub, cracked tiles and outstanding rent of more than R1m. When contacted for comment last week, he accused the publication of targeting him and said the journalist should get bodyguards. 'I am asking you to have bodyguards. Do you hear me? I am not joking. It is not a threat ... Ask Bloy who I am, he will tell you. Put out that article, but tell your company to give you bodyguards. 'You've targeted me. I will handle this myself. Maybe Bloy has not told you who I am. Maybe they have not told [you] what kind of life I live ... It's not your job to target a person like this,' he said. Slindile Khanyile, chair of the Sanef media freedom subcommittee said the organisation did not threats to journalists lightly, especially in a country where the work that journalists do and media freedom is protected by the constitution. 'So, we condemn the actions of not only this particular newsmaker, but anyone who makes it difficult for journalists to conduct their work,' she said. She added that Zungu was contacted for comment, which is one of the most important principles of journalism — to give newsmakers the opportunity to tell their side of the story and a fair opportunity to respond to allegations before a story is published. 'When journalists do that, which is something that is required by media ethics as well as the press code, and they then encounter newsmakers who make it difficult for them to do their work, it is unfortunate,' she added. She said journalists should always do the right thing even when reporting on threatening and aggressive people. 'Regardless of how a newsmaker may behave, journalists must always do the right thing by giving people the right to reply and being fair and be balanced in their reporting,' she said. The Sunday Times has reported the matter at the Hillbrow police station.
Local France
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Local France
Reader question: Are there any free autoroutes in France?
According to a government report published in March 2025, France had 1.1 million kilometres of roads in 2023. But of that 1.1 million, over one million are 'secondary roads', categorised as departmental and communal roads. These might include rural routes, side streets and village roads. Another 21,225 km were main network routes connecting major towns, while 9,474 km were classed as 'other national roads', a figure that includes national roads in the French overseas departments and territories. In total, just 11,752 km were classified as autoroutes in mainland France, and the vast majority (or 9,211 kms) were so-called 'concessionary autoroutes' – aka toll roads that are operated and maintained by private companies, under contracts with the government. READ ALSO Is it worth taking a detour to avoid France's steep autoroute tolls? It doesn't take a degree in mathematics to work out that means there are 2,541 km of 'non concessionary autoroutes' out there that drivers can use for free. These are managed directly by the government, with the cost of maintenance coming out of the taxman's wallet. Advertisement These stretches often run through less-populated regions where it is considered that toll-free urban roads and motorways are vital for economic and social development. It's important to note that services on free sections are often less developed than privately operated ones. READ ALSO Aires: Everything you need to know about motorway services in France These are the main toll-free motorway stretches in France: A75 between Clermont-Ferrand and Béziers; A20 between Vierzon and Montauban; A84 between Rennes and Caen; A35 between Strasbourg and the border with Switzerland; A31 between Toul and the border with Luxembourg (partial); A28 between Abbeville and Alençon (partial). You can also see a map on the Roole media website. Meanwhile, in the northwestern region of Brittany, there are stretches of road that look a lot like autoroutes but – for historic reasons – aren't. They have a lower speed limit (110km/h, compared to 130km/h) and are free for motorists to use. READ ALSO: Driving in France: What is télépéage and how does it work? It is not impossible that some currently tolled autoroute stretches could in the future fall under direct government control and become toll-free, for example – in the style of the A20 between Brive and Montauban, which returned to government ownership in 2006 after being operated by a private company. Advertisement What about 'free flow' tolls? Additionally, a small but increasing number of autoroute stretches are now 'free flow' or Flux Libre . Do not be caught out – these are still toll roads, and you still have to pay to use them. It is simply that the system of payment has changed to match the times. Basically, you go through the toll and then you pay later, either online via the Sanef website or at a tabac . You can also use a pre-paid télépéage badge to pay, which also allow you to skip the queues at other tollbooths. In future, more autoroutes in France are likely to become 'flux libre', while many autoroute concession contracts are due to end between 2031 and 2036, so there are plenty of changes ahead. READ MORE: Péage: How France's new free-flow tollbooths work
