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An article by Melanie Gosling on Thuli Madonsela's findings on Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson appeared in the Cape Times on Friday, and the newspaper's editor was allegedly fired shortly afterwards.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's verdict on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson performance is a great deal less than flattering, finding that the minister was, among other alleged failings, guilty of reckless handling of state money and services, which in turn led to fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
The Mail & Guardian reports that "Dasnois was informed by Sekunjalo Consortium executive chairperson Iqbal Survé of her removal on Friday" and goes on to report that "Dasnois was told on Friday not to return to work" and "was apparently offered redeployment in another capacity within the company."
The Mail & Guardian article reports that Dasnois "declined to comment on Sunday, except to say: 'I am in the process of seeking legal advice'" and that "it is not clear why Dasnois was fired."
Back in February this year, Bizcommunity, via i-Net Bridge in its report on Sekunjalo securing its bid for Independent Media, reported that Iqbal Survé was adamant that the group's editorial independence would be preserved and quotes him as saying "I am an independent thinker and I expect those who work on the newspapers to be independent too."
To be fair, however, he is quoted as going on to say "However‚ I do believe that reporting should be balanced and fair."
Of course, what constitutes balance, or fairness, is very much an individual thing, isn't it.
