JOURNALISTS - "Saturday Star" reported on November 18 that the managing director of Independent News and Media, Nazeem Howa said that Pippa Green has been appointed deputy editor of "Pretoria News". Green was previously deputy editor of "The Sunday Independent" and spent three months as acting editor of the "Pretoria News". Green said that she was looking forward to applying her experience in the newspaper. "The "Pretoria News" is a particularly important paper, providing news and opinions for the capital of our country," she said. Green will begin her editorship on December 1.

JOURNALISTS - "Sunday Independent" reported on November 12 that the South African National Editors'Forum had expressed shock at the announcement by Cheryl Gillwald, the deputy minister of justice in the National Council of Provinces, that three senior members of People Against Gangsterism and Drugs had been arrested on allegations of murdering Cape gang leader Rashaad Staggie in 1996, as a result of information obtained from videotapes seized during raids on media offices. Editors were alarmed at the announcement for the safety of photographers, journalists and TV crews in Cape Town generally.

JOURNALISTS - "Sowetan" reported on November 14 that Swazi police had detained for two hours and expelled its two photojournalists, Pat Seboko and Themba Moloi from their country. The two journalists were on their way to Lobamba to cover a story about the bail application for the People's United Democratic Movement President, Mario Maseko. Earlier, two reporters from the "Mail and Guardian" and one from "The Star", were also manhandled, insulted and expelled from the country by the chief of Swazi intelligence, Superintendent Jomo Mavuso. FXI called upon the Swazi police to stop harassing journalists and ensure the free flow of information and freedom of expression.

MEDIA OWNERSHIP - On November 16, "The Citizen" reported that Kagiso Media and Primedia had announced their intention to merge to create what they said was South Africa's largest black-controlled media group. CEO of Kagiso Media Roger Jardine said that the merger would result in substantive black empowerment and creates fundamental diversity and ownership. Jardine said that black ownership was critical and that the transaction would enhance control at the appropriate level. Meanwhile chairperson of MIC and deputy chairperson of Primedia, Paul Nkuna, said that they welcomed the prospect of working in partnership with Kagiso Media to develop the merged business. Primedia will issue 14,7-m combined units and pay approximately R12-million net cash to Kagiso shareholders.

MEDIA UNIONS - "Sowetan" reported on November 15 that the new president of the Media Workers Association in South Africa, Khathu Mamaila, has called for vigilance in the media fraternity to protect press freedom. Mamaila was addressing more than 250 delegates from different provinces. He urged media workers especially journalists, to be part of unions saying that conditions of employment in the newsrooms were becoming more hostile to them. He added that incidents such as the recent seizure of SABC video material by Government served to show that even the most democratic government could fall victims to such practices".

PUBLIC BROADCASTING -"Business Day" reported on November 15 that plans to split the SA Broadcasting Corporation into two entities were likely to see SABC3 turned into a commercial TV channel, while BopTV would join SABC1 and 2 as the third public broadcaster. Management is expected to submit an updated plan for the split to the broadcaster's board in early December. According to the newspaper, the repositioning proposal, based largely on Gemini Consulting's analysis of the corporation, would enable it to comply with its mandate under the Broadcasting Act. The public broadcasting service will consist of three TV channels and 12 existing radio channels. SABC acting CEO, Cecilia Khuzwayo said that innovative ways to finance regional TV had to be found. "Parliament's portfolio committee has given a clear mandate that the SABC must serve all 11 language groups and regional TV broadcasts could help meet the obligation"she said.

PUBLIC BROADCASTING - " The Star " reported on November 17 that the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa had received written complaints from the public claiming that by screening the dog-video tape, SABC had damaged race relations. According to the BCCSA many children had suffered trauma after viewing the footage which was screened during "family hour viewing" at 7pm. In defence, manager of audience liaison at the SABC, Dorothy van Tonder said: "It would have been far more detrimental to race relations if such actions were allowed to continue". Meanwhile Mary Robertson from trauma clinic said that the footage had caused trauma and had also triggered off a reliving of past experience. "We need an urgent public awareness education programme on dealing with past violence and post-traumatic stress," she added. TELECOMMUNICATIONS - On November 15, "Business Day" reported that chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, Mandla Langa announced on November 14 that Icasa would not present more evidence or have an advocate in court when a judicial review would be held to determine whether the licensing process was flawed. The announcement was made as the preferred bidder Cell C, loosing bidder Nextcom and the Department of Communications prepare to resume their courtroom clash. Langa said that Icasa would simply let the process take its course and abide by the court's decision. "This did not mean that Icasa accepted the allegations of corruption or incompetence levelled against its predecessor. But it did not have to spend time and money defending itself against accusations levelled at a defunct authority," said Icasa councillor William Currie. None of the warring parties were sure when the judicial review would begin, but Cell C filed its final papers in the high court in Pretoria. The court will examine all evidence to see if Satra made a fair and unbiased choice in nominating Cell C for the licence.

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