Editor and freelancer bodies pledge closer ties

Left to right: Kay Johnstone, Deryn Graham, Reggy Moalusi, Hush Naidoo, Saskia Meintjes, Hopewell Radebe. (Mandi Smallhorne, Jan Roodt and Dunisani Ntsanwisi joined via video link.)

Among the matters raised was media access and accreditation for the upcoming Local Government election. The meeting also provided an opportunity for discussions on opportunities for freelancers to publish and earn income on local platforms, to reduce reliance on expensive and restrictive foreign platforms.

The two organisations also exchanged views on challenges posed by social media as a reporting tool, in particular the challenges of misinformation and disinformation and their impact on journalists and media in general.

The discussions highlighted the common interests and issues of concern, particularly supporting journalists and editors and advocating for their professional rights and protections.

“This collaboration has been long in the making and was indeed long overdue,” said Reggy Moalusi, Sanef executive director. “Let’s get to work and make all that we resolved and agreed on a reality.”

Kay Johnstone, Safrea cice-chair, noted that the meeting had opened the door for the two organisations to support each another.

“We came away very encouraged by the common ground that clearly exists between Sanef and Safrea, and excited by the possibilities of working more closely and supporting each other,” she said.

Safrea and Sanef agreed to continue discussing the issues raised and to step up efforts for the benefit of their members and the wider freelance media community.

The meeting was attended by Kay Johnstone, Safrea vice-chair, representing chair Nathi Gule; Treasurer Hush Naidoo; advocacy lead Mandi Smallhorne; membership lead Deryn Graham; professional development lead Saskia Meintjes; and Communications Lead Jan Roodt.

Sanef was represented by executive director Reggy Moalusi; project/administration manager Hopewell Radebe; and community media and freelancers portfolio lead Dunisani Ntsanwisi.

More information on the organisations’ initiatives will be provided to members as the issues are discussed further.