COMPLAINT AGAINST SUNDAY TIMES / TIMESLIVE OVER MISLEADING REPORTING

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COMPLAINT AGAINST SUNDAY TIMES / TIMESLIVE OVER MISLEADING REPORTING

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with serious concern a report published by the Sunday Times / TimesLIVE alleging that the organisation sought to interfere with the programming decisions of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). 

The ANC categorically rejects these allegations as baseless, unsubstantiated, and devoid of any factual foundation.

It is deeply regrettable that the publication failed to afford the ANC an opportunity to comment prior to

publication. This omission constitutes a fundamental breach of the principles of fair, accurate, and balanced reporting as enshrined in the Press Code of the Press Council of South Africa. Of particular concern is the headline, “ANC not prepared to Face The Nation?”, which, despite later being reframed, remains misleading and not supported by the substance of the article. No credible evidence is presented to substantiate claims of interference or alleged lack of preparedness. On the contrary, individuals cited in the report, including government representatives, explicitly indicate that no formal complaint was ever made.

This represents a clear contravention of the Press Code, which requires that headlines must not mislead the public and must fairly reflect the content of the report. The ANC views this matter in a serious light, as it undermines public trust in the media and distorts democratic discourse. Accordingly, the organisation is actively considering lodging a formal complaint with the Press Ombudsman of South Africa against the Sunday Times / TimesLIVE.

The ANC has historically been at the forefront of the struggle for freedom of expression and a free,

independent media in South Africa. These rights are not incidental, but are deeply rooted in the values of our Constitution and the liberation struggle itself. The ANC therefore remains firmly committed to defending media freedom and the right of journalists to operate without fear, favour, or prejudice.

However, this freedom carries with it a responsibility to uphold truth, accuracy, fairness, and ethical journalism. Freedom of expression must not be abused to advance misleading narratives or unverified claims that undermine democratic accountability.

Having noted the clarification issued by the SABC, the ANC further calls on the public broadcaster to take the people of South Africa into full confidence regarding its editorial and programming decisions. Transparency in decision-making processes, including the disclosure of criteria used, will strengthen public trust in the institution.

The ANC will continue to engage openly with the public and the media, guided by the principles of

accountability, transparency, and democratic integrity. The movement will not allow misleading narratives to go unchallenged or to undermine its role in advancing a democratic and informed society.

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