By Mapaballo Borotho
- SANEF has expressed concern over allegations that former The Star editor Sifiso Mahlangu was involved in the formation of the MK Party while serving in a senior journalism role.
- The forum warned that political involvement by editors undermines public trust, editorial independence, and media ethics.
- Mahlangu has since been appointed national spokesperson for Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, which praised his media experience and communication skills.
Former The Star editor Sifiso Mahlangu was allegedly involved with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) from its inception while occupying a senior position in journalism.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has raised concerns over the allegations, saying any editor or journalist involved in political activity shows disregard for journalism ethics.
“The role of an editor demands independence, impartiality, credibility, and the unwavering trust of the public. Any blurring of the lines between journalism and party politics fundamentally undermines public confidence in the media and damages the integrity of the profession as a whole,” SANEF said in a statement.
Mahlangu was recently appointed as the new national spokesperson for Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, which recently stripped former spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela of all membership benefits.
SANEF said it was ill-advised for an editor to be associated with the formation of a political party, as it raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest, editorial independence, and the possible erosion of ethical newsroom standards.
“At a time when trust in institutions, including the media, is already under pressure, perceptions of political alignment by senior journalists are profoundly damaging. While Mahlangu was not a member of SANEF, and The Star is not a member of the Press Council, the principle remains critically important and applies across the media industry,” the forum added.
Meanwhile, the MKP described Mahlangu as a seasoned communicator with deep media experience, saying his background positions him well to take on the high-pressure role.
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