Press ombudsman announces new brand

3 Dec 2007

The press ombudsman of South Africa unveiled its new branding and website at a press conference in Johannesburg today, Monday, 3 December 2007, where the amended South Africa Press Code booklet and the Complaints Procedures and the Constitution of the council were also launched.

Before going into detail about the meaning of the new brand, press ombudsman Joe Thloloe said that the new brand will be as popular as Coke and Mac Donald's. “The dark blue and grey side symbolises the two sides that are in conflict before they come to the ombudsman' office for adjudication. We are an open page, with borders signifying that we can regulate ourselves.”

New website

Tholoe also said that the new website, www.presscouncil.org.za, which is to go live sometimes this week, will provide all the information needed on multimedia platforms and all the cases that have been with dealt by the office of the ombudsman will be archived for the public's future references.

Explaining the history of the new press council, the ombudsman related: “On 3 August 2007, the new press council and appeals panel were selected. The new Ombudsman was appointed and a holding constitution was adopted. Then on 1 and 2 November, a new constitution was adopted at a council workshop which was then followed by the revelation of the new logo, booklet and website.”

The code prescribes news that is truthful, accurate and fair, and comment that is an expression of opinion without malice or dishonest motive.

Laying a complaint

What to do when laying a complaint:

If you believe that a newspaper or a magazine has not lived up to the South African Press Code, you may lodge a complaint by fax or email with the ombudsman within 14 days of publication of the particular story. Include the name and date of the publication and the reasons that you believe were out of line.

For more information, email Khanyi Mndaweni at .