eNCA News Chief Kanthan Pillay has apologised to political journalist Samkele Maseko for his statements on Twitter on Wednesday. In a tweet that drew much criticism, Pillay wrote: “rats swimming toward a sinking ship #EarlyXmasGift,” which was widely believed to be in reference to eNCA employees joining the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
Kanthan Pillay issued an apology saying that he is "deeply remorseful". Meanwhile, The @Right2Know has called for a wider debate on media freedom in SA after allegations were leveled against #eNCA television news channel about censorship in the newsroom https://t.co/sTY0m2rsOa
— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 19, 2019
The two exchanged tweets with Maseko alleging that Pillay had censored stories in the newsroom.
Do you want me to speak about how you instructed that @MYANC MP Bongani Bhongo be sensored by removing all the allegations he made at Minister Pravin Gordhan? What happened to a simple journalism principle of two sides to a story? Getting both parties to answer for themselves https://t.co/qnKkpnGoX4
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) December 18, 2019
Do want me to speak about how you threw me out of the @eNCA building like a dog who had stolen something……. How you came to my desk and said I should pack my shit and follow you to HR. You are heartless and unethical. Denying some a chance to serve a notice period https://t.co/qnKkpnGoX4
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) December 18, 2019
Pillay also apologised to the SABC.
“I regret further and apologise unreservedly for: The offence caused to all and specifically to Mr Maseko, the SABC and the Management of eMedia,” Pillay outlined in a statement.
Maseko has since left the news channel.
Different organisations, including the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) and Right2Know Campaign have expressed concerns over media freedom in South Africa following Maseko’s allegations.