Ethel Manyaka: the Press Council's youngest member

“I feel honoured working with the likes of Joe Thloloe [the new press ombudsman], Raymond Louw, Peter Sullivan and Judge Ralph Zulman,” Manyaka told Bizcommunity.com during an interview held recently in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

“Just imagine the amount of experience, wisdom and knowledge that I will gain in the next five years by working together with these media giants – people who have walked the walk.

“But I firmly believe that my past working experience has made me an all-rounder and deservedly got me this job.”

“Well-prepared”

Asked if she is aware of tough challenges that lie ahead, she replied: “Working in the media industry for the past 11 years has made me a thick-skinned person so I am well-prepared to face whatever challenges that come my way.

“The media is a harsh and sometimes unkind jungle that can make and break you, but despite the journalists' aggressive approaches, one needs to fight on and work together with them.”

Looking at the number and nature of complaints – from government, corporate sector and members of the public – lodged in the office of the press ombudsman every year – many people, most especially politicians, celebrities and high-profile figures, must be wondering how to stop the media from ‘overstepping its constitutional limits'.

But Manyaka disagreed, saying that the media is sometimes being misunderstood. “We have to understand why these guys are running around to write stories,” she said. “Instead of avoiding them, [getting] hopping mad at them and creating war, the public needs to engage them in hot debate about crucial issues affecting society and build healthy relationships for the betterment of society.

“The moment you start avoiding them, suing them or trying to gag them, then they will keep banging your head, thinking that you have something to hide.”

Changed tune

And quickly she changed her tune, slamming the press for missing the point on certain important issues affecting women and failing to report on the positive contribution made by women in changing society.

“Reporters need to be fair, have a comprehensive gender-balanced agenda and give more voice to women,” Manyaka said, adding that she is not a feminist, but a ‘traditionalist'.

However, many reporters complain of having big trouble to get women to tell their stories or comment on certain socio-economic issues.

Interestingly, Manyaka acknowledged the problem and appealed to women to face the media with courage to avoid giving an unfair advantage to men.

She added: “As women, we need to make a mark, especially in media. We have an insignificant number of women represented in media but it is not bad compared to the apartheid era.

“In SA media, women are not doing okay but it is not that bad. We are emerging, gaining confidence and the glass-ceiling is cracking slowly but surely.

“Quality is amazing”

“Look at the likes of Ferial Haffajee, Louise Marsland [Bizcommunity.com's very own editor] and many more out there, the quality is amazing!”