Qwelane apology 'half-hearted'

2008-08-12 14:37

Johannesburg - The SA Press Appeals Panel (SAPAP) has turned down applications to appeal a ruling on a column in the Sunday Sun based on complaints that the newspaper's apology was inadequate.

Ombudsman Joe Thloloe ordered the Sunday Sun to apologise after publishing an article by columnist Jon Qwelane titled : "Call me names, but gay is NOT okay."

Thloloe receive nearly 1 000 complaints against the Sunday Sun for publishing the column. Thloloe found that, in publishing the column, the newspaper had contravened the press code on three counts.

The Joburg Gay Pride Festival, among other organisations, appealed, saying that the Sunday Sun's apology was "half-hearted".

The Festival's board also expressed concern after it came to their attention that the press ombudsman and Qwelane were long-term colleagues and friends, and said that Thloloe should have recused himself from making this ruling as this led to a perceived bias.

SAPAP chairperson Judge Ralph Zulman said on Tuesday there was no reasonable prospect that the SAPAP may come to a decision different to that of the ombudsman regarding the column written by Qwelane.

"We have again received scores of applications for leave to appeal and the judge took one as a sample," said Zulman.

"I am satisfied that there is no reasonable prospect that the SAPAP may come to a decision different to that of the ombudsman.

"Accordingly the applicant is informed that leave to appeal is refused," said Zulman.

- SAPA