Independent Media Group Expelled by South African Press Council for Non-Compliance

In a bold move upholding the integrity of journalism, the Press Council of South Africa has expelled one of the country's media heavyweights, the Independent Media group. This decisive action was taken on Wednesday after the group's continued disregard for the Press Council's adjudications. Such a step emphasizes the gravity of the issue and acts as a clarion call for adherence to journalistic standards and ethics within the South African media landscape.

The expulsion came as a consequence of Independent Media's recurrent failure to fulfill obligations stipulated by the Press Code, a framework to which it had voluntarily committed. The Press Council, a pivotal self-regulatory body overseeing print and online journalism in the country, found this non-compliance untenable. The judge at the helm of the Press Council, Judge Fritz Brand, expressed his discontent with the group's willful disobedience, although he also conveyed his regret over the necessity of issuing an expulsion – an action rarely resorted to by the council.

The Press Council of South Africa says it's unfortunate that Independent Media Group has responded to recent findings against them by attacking the organisation. Newzroom Afrika's @naledimoleo speaks to deputy chairperson of the Press Council of South Africa Amina Frense.

Watch:… pic.twitter.com/W6VWxc8snE

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 24, 2024

The origins of the current expulsion date back to a controversial column published by the Sunday Independent on March 3, 2024, which drew offensive parallels between journalist Karyn Maughan and infamous Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl. The piece, by insinuating Maughan's work resembled that of a propagandist, severely tarnished her professional and personal standing. As a result, the Press Council, backed by a Panel of Adjudicators, mandated a retraction and an apology from Independent Media to Maughan – instructions that the media group flouted.

Further complicating the situation, Independent Media displayed open defiance against the Press Council's authority, leading to a pronounced conflict involving Independent Media CEO Mohammed Hoosain and a clear ultimatum by the Council to enforce their rulings.

Independent Media's contentious relationship with the Press Council is not new. The group withdrew once before in 2016, following a disagreement over a required apology to journalist Gillian Moodie, and although it rejoined early in 2023, the unresolved issues resurfaced, highlighting a pattern of disregard for self-regulation within the group's operational ethos.

As this high-profile expulsion makes waves through South Africa's media landscape, the Press Council has assured the public of its commitment to resolve any pending complaints against Independent Media. While the expulsion serves as a critical reminder of the media's obligation to maintain the highest standards of integrity and responsibility, it also spotlights a troubled media group's struggle to align with the principles of ethical journalism.

With the expulsion now in effect, the reputational damage to Independent Media is palpable, casting a shadow over the media group's commitment to press freedom and ethical reporting. The incident has provoked wider discussions on media ethics, panel authorities, and the delicate balance between independent press operations and regulatory compliance.