SANEF also stated that it is appreciates SABC group CEO Dali Mpofu's assurance that SABC staff may testify without fear.
The forum has also resolved to request an urgent meeting with the presiding officers of parliament to ensure resolution of the conflict over the location of the Press Gallery Association (PGA). The PGA, responsible for the coverage of parliament, has faced three years of uncertainty about its accommodation and services which are essential to ensure the free flow of information out of the legislature.
SANEF also resolved to pay attention to the challenges faced by senior female journalists in the South African media. This follows the release of a glass ceiling study which has found that many women in the industry still face serious obstacles in achieving senior leadership positions.
SANEF, since its inception, has been a strong supporter of upgrading the skills of journalists at all levels in the media. The need for this was underlined by its two skills audits, the second of which in particular highlighted the urgency of empowering news managers. It is for this reason that SANEF believes the MAPPP-SETA should consider extending its bursary programme to cover high-level learning programmes at the Masters level as offered at South African universities. Support in this area of capacity-building will assist in addressing scarce skills as identified in various MAPPP-Seta studies.
It was also mentioned at the AGM that SANEF's long-serving council member Guy Berger had been presented with the prestigious Nat Nakasa award for integrity and bravery in the service of journalism.
SANEF thanked outgoing management committee, chairperson Joe Thloloe, deputy chairperson Elizabeth Barratt and secretary-general Hopewell Radebe, for their services in building the forum.
Ferial Haffajee, editor of the Mail & Guardian was elected SANEF chairperson for 2006/7. The deputy chairperson is Thabo Leshilo, editor-in-chief of Sowetan and Sunday World. Mary Papayya, Sowetan Durban bureau chief, was elected secretary-general while Jovial Rantao, editor of the Sunday Independent, is treasurer.
Other 2006/7 SANEF council members, alphabetically by first name:
