×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Journalists accuse editor of racism: Report

A group of journalists at City Press newspaper would lay criminal charges against their editor after they accused her of racism, newspapers reported on Friday.

The Star and The New Age said six journalists decided to lay charges of racism and defamation after a meeting with human resources officials over the matter.

Editor Ferial Haffajee had lodged an internal grievance of racism, divisiveness and "cultural superiority" following a staff meeting on Tuesday where the group raised concerns about transformation and alleged discrimination, The Star reported.

One journalist told The New Age that Haffajee asked them to speak their minds at the meeting, saying no one would be targeted.

"But she became offensive when we started raising pressing issues. Emotions ran high. The discussion shifted to the issue of transformation in management."

The journalists also accused the paper of taking a hard line on stories involving President Jacob Zuma, but not towards the Democratic Alliance.

They accused Haffajee of failing to appoint a senior black news editor with political contacts to help tell stories from "a black perspective".

According to The Star, Haffajee hit back at the "racist mauling" of her three news editors.

In an email on Wednesday, she accused the journalists of racism, giving them a week to decide whether they still wanted to work for the newspaper.

She dismissed the racism allegations, The Star reported.

"Racism, no matter who practises it is abominable and I will speak out against it."

"I saw real black racism at play and cultural chauvinism that I can't stomach on Tuesday," Haffajee told The Star, saying she refused to be part of a "new oppression."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.