Rulings

Smith represented himself, but was accompanied by three witnesses as well as the Public Advocate; Smith and Shain Germaner appeared on behalf of the newspaper. The panel consisted of Susan Smuts (press representative), Philip van der Merwe (public representative) and the Press Ombudsman.

As both parties have provided me with a proposed apology, which I note with appreciation, I am limiting myself to the apologies only.

Sowetan

Appeal Decision: Bonginkosi Mabaso vs Ilanga

Appeal Decision: Sean Wisedale vs Noseweek

Sunday Times.

Appeal Decision: SA Hindu Dharma Sabha vs Sunday Times.

This ruling is based on the written submissions of Bowman Gilfillan Attorneys, for Kusaga Taka Consultants (KT), and the Sunday Times newspaper.KT complains about a story headlined Directors of recycling plan have dodgy past, published on 10 November 2013 in Sunday Times.The company complains that the story has implied it in alleged wrongdoings by mentioning its name.

This ruling is based on the written submissions of Ngqushwa (Peddie) municipal manager Vuyokazi Mbelani and consultant Vuyani Mthimkhulu, and the Daily Dispatch newspaper.Mbelani and Mthimkhulu complain about two stories in Daily Dispatch, published on 17 and 25 October 2013, headlined Ngqushwa’s half a million bill mystery – Bisho wants answers on consultant’s invoices, and Mlibo’s deployee helps

Appeal Decision: Zamani Letjane vs Today's Trustee