Latest news with #Umhlanga
The Herald
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
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. TimesLIVE
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Ballito paddlers dominate Engen Ballito Downwind challenge
Ballito's Hank McGregor led a dominant North Coast performance at the Engen Ballito Downwind, storming to victory in challenging open-ocean conditions on Sunday. Last month's 18.5km race was postponed due to poor conditions, but the race went ahead on Mother's Day. North Coast paddlers dominated last year's event, and it was more of the same this year. The Tiffany's to Blythedale Beach race saw three North Coast surf skiers take top honours in the four race categories. Ballito's Hank McGregor (1:03:57) and Brent Chiazarri (1:07:08) finished first and third respectively in a top-class men's field. Umhlanga's Michelle Burn (1.12.22) won the ladies' race, with Saskia Hockly, from Umdloti (1.14.34), in second. Hockly also finished top in the U23 division, while Tinley Manor resident, Ty Heyns (1.16.33), took second in the Men's U23. Ballito's Keegan Vogt (1.10.17) took top spot in the Juniors division. This was the final event of the inaugural Paddle Fest – organised by South Africa Surf Ski. Despite some rough seas, race director, Barry Lewin, said it was perfect for racing. 'The Engen Ballito Downwind was treated to sublime open ocean conditions between Tiffany's and Blythedale Beach. The surf, while challenging, wasn't too difficult,' said Lewin. Eleven-time World Canoe Senior Marathon Champion, McGregor, enjoyed the race and the conditions. He praised timing of the race. 'It was a great launch that was timed right with the weather. The organisers waited long enough for a great downwind, but it wasn't too out of control. It was a fantastic wind that was super fast,' he said. Burn, was 'very stoked' the race went ahead. 'I've been looking forward to racing on the North Coast and it didn't disappoint!' she said. 'There was a wonderful wave to navigate at the start and finish – it was a proper taste of surfski which we haven't had for a very long time so I'm glad that this race is on the calendar. The entire race was great; it was a good distance – not too long and you don't get too tired. Everyone had a good time.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
