Johannesburg - One of the former City Press journalists who brought a lawsuit against Media24 and its former editor Ferial Haffajee says he did not sign any settlement agreement regarding the court action.
The lawsuit was launched in in 2014 by Mawande Mvumvu, Khanyiso Tshwaku, Muntu Vilakazi and Denvor de Wee who accused Haffajee of defaming them by branding them as racists during a staff meeting in 2013.
It was reported on Tuesday that Media24 had settled the lawsuit with its former staffers which was due in court on Thursday.
De Wee said on Wednesday he had withdrawn from pursuing the legal action due to financial constraints.
“I have decided to withdraw because I'm not for sale, I can't afford the legal action taken and I won't be silent about my own story nor can I allow (myself) to be censored,” said De Wee.
He said the decision was not easy, as he almost agreed to it.
“..I had to consider this settlement agreement from Ferial and Media24 and almost finally agreed to it.
“So, this is not about getting back at you Ferial or Media24 for supporting your wrongdoing, yes wrong doing because why offer to pay if there was no harm done? Why is Media24 prepared to pay money to make the issue go away?” said de Wee.
“I have decided to withdraw funds to pursue the claim legally. I withdrew, because I just couldn’t sign away my story nor could I be party to censorship. In this case being paid to go away,” said de Wee.
The now freelance journalist poured out his disappointment about the October 2013 meeting, and being let down by someone he “admired”.
“Not only was I surprised but shocked, hurt and enormously sad this coming from my boss one of the most powerful woman in the country. a leader I looked up to admired and had the biggest respect for,” said de Wee.
Labour Bureau