Sowetan 'breached Press Code'

2008-08-29 14:16

Johannesburg - The Press Ombudsman has ruled against the Sowetan newspaper following a complaint about a story it published about an SABC senior official in May.

The ombud found it was not reasonable for the journalist to believe the information provided by her sources, according to a ruling published on its website.

"Simple tests that the panel applied raised questions about the credibility of the sources."

Further investigation should have been done before the story was published. The newspaper was found to have breached a number of sections of the Press Code.

The story alleged that SABC group executive of public commercial broadcasting Pearl Luthuli, was incompetent and faced an internal investigation into mismanagement of funds.

It also alleged that certain board members were "pushing" for her appointment as chief operating officer. One paragraph of the story, published on May 12 read: "Sources told Sowetan yesterday that SABC board chairperson Khanyisile Mkhonza and her deputy, Christine Qunta, were pushing for the appointment of Pearl Luthuli as chief operating officer".

The Sowetan was ordered to publish an abbreviated version of the ombudsman's findings and an apology to Luthuli.

Either of the parties may apply for leave to appeal the ruling to Press Appeals Panel Judge Ralph Zulman, within seven days.

- SAPA