Journalist quits over Ramaphosa article
2012-12-18 11:08
Johannesburg - An Independent Newspapers political editor
has resigned following a report in The Star that businessman Cyril Ramaphosa
had refused a nomination to be ANC deputy president.
"I had no hand in writing the story," Gaye Davis
said on Tuesday.
"I did, however, early on Sunday evening, get
confirmation from Mr Ramaphosa that - contrary to what the article was stating
- he had accepted and signed his nomination form," she said in a statement
sent to Sapa.
Davis was stepping down to "publicly disassociate"
herself from The Star's article.
"Ethically, I believe I cannot publicly distance myself
from the story while remaining in the employ of Independent Newspapers."
Davis believes resigning is necessary to protect her
credibility as a journalist.
She told the writer of the article that Ramaphosa had
confirmed he was still in the running, but was told The Star was standing by
their story, but that other editors in the group could make their own
judgements.
"I communicated with the other morning newspaper
editors in the group, who took appropriate action and did not run the story in
its original form," Davis said.
Independent Newspapers CEO Tony Howard said he only just
learned of the resignation and could not yet comment.
Davis had been group deputy political editor since October
2008.
She said she contacted Ramaphosa and personally informed him
of her decision to resign.
- SAPA
