The Dalton Hostel Dwellers have submitted a complaint about coverage of their community struggle in the Berea Mail. Full text below... *** TO: Berea Mail Editor: Wanda Daly CC: Berea Mail Reporter: Lorna Charles FROM: Mthembiseni Thusi, Dalton Hostel Chairman Dalton Hostel Steering Committee Vanessa Burger: Community Activist RE: Berea Mails reporting on Whoonga Wars (12 June 2014) & request for Right of Reply Dear Ms Daly It is with deep concern that we have noted the Berea Mails sensationalist, irresponsible, unbalanced, unfair, inappropriate and inaccurate coverage of the recent unfortunate incident that occurred on the evening of 9 June 2014 in your article titled Whoonga War in the streets published on 12 June 2014 (attached). We believe you have contravened the Press Code in this regard and therefore submit the following complaint and request the publication of a Right of Reply in the next edition of the Berea Mail. We state unequivocally that we do not support ANY acts of vigilantism or violence and those guilty must be dealt with in accordance with the law. We have already met with SAPS members and assured them of our full compliance with investigations. We also extend our sincerest sympathy to those injured in the attacks, as further persecution of innocent poor people is tragic and unacceptable. We welcome, and have indeed for many years, motivated for the implementation of a conclusive, practical solution to the whoonga crisis, particularly at Whoonga Park, that will incorporate all affected parties. To this end we remain committed to all peaceful engagement that seeks to include our community in meaningful participation. Dalton Hostel leaders are also committed to a free and fair press and are members of the Right2Know Campaign. With reference to our complaint regarding the Berea Mails article, Whoonga War in the streets, we draw your attention to the following set out in the South African Press Code: The press shall be obliged to report news truthfully, accurately and fairly; News shall be presented in context and in a balanced manner, without any intentional or negligent departure from the facts whether by: (1.2.1)Distortion, exaggeration or misinterpretation (1.2.2)Material omissions, or (1.2.3.)Summarisation. (1.3)Only what may be reasonably true, having regard to the sources of the news, may be presented as fact, and such facts shall be published fairly with due regard to context and importance. Where a report is not based on facts or is founded on opinions, allegation, rumour or supposition, it shall be presented in such manner as to indicate this clearly. (2.3)The press has the right and indeed duty to report and comment on all matters of legitimate public interest. This right and duty must, however, be balanced against the obligation not to publish material which amounts to hate speech. (4)Comment by the press shall be presented in such a manner that it appears clearly that it is comment, and shall be made on facts truly stated or fairly indicated and referred to. (6)Due care and responsibility shall be exercised by the press with regard to the presentation of brutality, violence and atrocities. And Section 16 of the Constitution of South Africa: (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which (2) does not extend to (b) incitement of imminent violence, (c) advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm. Mindful of these requirements we believe the Berea Mail has in its coverage of Whoonga War in the streets, contravened the above with specific reference to statements as set out in the attached full complaint. We look forward to your immediate remedial action and response in this regard. Kind regards Mthembiseni Thusi (Dalton Hostel Chairman / uBunye Bamahostel Deputy Chair) - 073 889 4385 The Dalton Hostel Steering Committee
Posted on: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 13:01:47 +0000
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