Congratulations are in order for freelance journalist Edwin Ntshidi, who this week was sworn in as ActionSA proportional representative councillor for the City of Johannesburg following the bruising 2021 local government elections.
This is proof that journalists are activists in their own rights and not perpetual passengers or spectators in the political arena, as they use their might through their pens, microphones or cameras to report events and activities.
As political animals, journalists don’t only report on events but influence the narrative and to a certain extent set the agenda, therefore they should at all times strive for balance, fairness, and impartiality since objectivity is an elusive dream.
However, what is problematic and disturbing was that Ntshidi, while contesting the elections, he was also part of the Eyewitness News crew covering the same elections for Talk Radio 702 which saw him become a councillor and that on its own surely provide an ethical dilemma, not only for him but the station.
When making ethical decisions, journalists appeal to ethical theories, with their own value systems, therefore should always be conscious of the damage they might cause.
It is no brainer that this posed a conflict of interest and he surely transgressed the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and the Journalism Press Code and Ethics. His decision to be a journalist reporting on the elections and being on a political party list muddied the waters. And as to whether he reported on ActionSA or not is neither here nor there. At the end of the day he soiled the once noble craft of journalism which is constantly under scrutiny.
Ntshidi’s actions cannot be divorced from some shameful events which brought the media into disrepute, especially during the height of an election period or party political events.
It reminded me of picture of Independent Newspaper group executive Karima Brown (may her soul rest in peace) and opinion editor Vukani Mde, who posted their picture on social media clad in ANC regalia during the party’s 103 birthday celebration.
Ironically, in 2014, Independent Newspapers suspended Donwald Pressley, Business Day bureau chief and senior journalist, for applying for political party list of parliamentary candidates for the Democratic Alliance following a report in the Mail & Guardian.
Journalism ethics matter and I always take for granted that every journalist worth his or her salt knows the basic tenets of journalism and would always try not to transgress and veer from these cannon fodders. Sadly, journalists can be their worst enemies and would always be under scrutiny for transgressing.
In 2010, the media in general, and print media to be exact, found itself on the back foot and in a defence mode following the ANC resolution to institute a media appeals tribunal to punish errand journalists, something the media vehemently challenged and opposed.
This led to the establishment of the Press Freedom Commission chaired by retired judge Pius Langa spearheaded by the South African National Editors’ Forum and Print Media South Africa, which led to the current co-regulation of the print media.
During my presentation at the commission, I advocated for harsher penalties for serial transgressors of the Press Code, and I still do because there are charlatans masquerading as journalists while they cause untold damage to the profession. There must be consequences for those in the pockets of the high and mighty, those who ask, demand or receive brown envelopes.
Other professions such as accounting, law and medical have strict consequence management against transgressors. Some are fined, blacklisted or struck off the roll. Harsher punishment would help in restoring the credibility of journalism and promote ethical journalism.
A code of ethics is and cannot just be not a mere paper written on it, it contains the ethical standards to which an organisation commits itself, both as an organisation and in respect of individual conduct by members.
Transgressors of the code, consciously or unconsciously are inviting unwarranted attacks against the fourth estates and Ntshidi’s has added to those who have soiled the once noble craft of journalism and tainted fourth estates.
• Sepotokele is a journalist, communication strategist, media trainer and journalism lecturer
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