STAFF REPORTER
THE SOUTH African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has backed City Press editor Ferial Haffajee after an attack on her by Sowetan columnist Eric Miyeni.
His column on Monday described Haffajee as a “black snake in the grass” and “an agent for white capitalists”.
“Eric Miyeni is not the first columnist to be fired for making intemperate comments and he will not be the last,” Sanef said.
“We defend his right to write what he likes, with the proviso that it fall within the bounds of what the constitution allows.
“Sanef would like to express its solidarity with Haffajee. This is not the first time that an editor has come under vicious attack, and it will also not be the last time.”
On Monday night, defending himself on Kaya FM, Miyeni criticised his former employers at the Sowetan, for “not doing their editorial function and then firing journalists afterwards”.
ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema told Talk Radio 702 yesterday that the country needed more Miyenis.
Miyeni called in to praise Malema’s call for economic parity, equating him to Nelson Mandela.
Malema responded by saying he admired Miyeni’s courage.
Avusa editor-in-chief Mondli Makhanya, who was also on the show, said management at the Sowetan had taken responsibility for Miyeni’s column, but that the author must take ultimate responsibility.