Considered to be the hard enforcers in the newsroom, Editors are known for their dominance and authority. They are the steering heads of their publications and if we had to describe them according to their stereotypes, there would be plenty to say. By definition, an Editor is: a person responsible for the editorial aspects of a publication - the person who determines the final content of a text.
The recent saga that has dominated the media is what prompted this article. Although some columnists have described it as hate speech, we shall not confine it to a definition - lest it leaves no room for a free and fair opinion.
When Sowetan columnist Eric Miyeni decided to express his opinion by putting pen on paper and talk about matters that touched his heart, he was abruptly relieved of his duty.
This begs a very tough question: can Editors be trusted? Do media houses and companies speak and act with one voice? Is it right that one of Avusa's publications put out a column one day, and the same company reprimanded the other?
Surely, Avusa, Sowetan editorial and Eric Miyeni himself understand the ethnical considerations that must be taken into account in reporting and social commentary. Along with a columnist’s right to freedom of expression, comes a responsibility to do no harm in what is said. There's little doubt that Miyeni's comments, including fantasizing about, necklacing Ferial Haffejee with a burning tyre, constitutes hate speech and incites violence.
The Editor of Sowetan, Len Maseko, has since resigned as Editor and has accepted full responsibility for the column being published (even though he was on leave at the time!) Was this owning up or merely strategic self-preservation?
On the other hand, Ferial Haffejee has a dilemma on her hands. While she has been seeking legal advice on whether to take legal actions, we wonder whether this action will affect people's perceptions of her and the City Press, the national newspaper she edits. Will she be seen as trying to snuff a defiant voice if she sues Miyeni?
To further add to the confusion, below is a direct transcript of the terms and conditions that appear on the Sowetan website, alongside the comment thread. Take a look and see if the column was in line with any of these conditions at all:
We value your opinion, but please follow the guidelines below to ensure it remains a valuable and useful section for all readers.
When commenting, bear in mind:
• Your comments should be relevant to the article or the thread of conversation
• You should not make personal attacks
• You should not use vulgar, discriminatory, obscene or abusive language
For a publication that enforces such strict terms and conditions on their readers, the same should be inflicted upon the writers themselves, don’t you think?
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