Ryaz Patel
News channel eNCA “has parted company with its director of news Kanthan Pillay with immediate effect,” after coming under fire when Pillay referred to political journalist Samkele Maseko’s move from the news channel to rival, SABC News, as “rats swimming toward a sinking ship.”
“After intense overnight investigation and consultation, the channel decided it had no alternative but to end its relationship with him. Although he was acting in an individual capacity and his posting was unsolicited, he was nonetheless a senior member of staff and the channel believes there was no room for any other outcome and that damage control was imperative,” read an eNCA statement.
Pillay was also accused of interfering in news stories.
The news channel said “serious allegations have also been levelled at eNCA about Pillay’s censorship of stories and his management style.”
“The channel takes the allegations of censorship very seriously.”
eNCA said it would cooperate “fully” with the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) which requested a meeting with management to seek clarity on Pillay’s appointment.
Pillay was appointed director of news six months after he led the Purple Cow party during the 2019 national and provincial elections.
eNCA received massive backlash after Maseko alleged incidents of editorial interference by Pillay, who on Thursday was forced to apologise for his conduct.
eNCA Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Maggs said: “All news organisations have one currency and that is credibility. It is clear this negative attention has adversely affected eNCA’s reputation and credibility. However with the talented and dedicated staff we have, I believe the channel can recover. Right now our immediate priorities are to mend strained relationships and to rebuild credibility with its audience and other stakeholders as soon as possible.”
Earlier, a group of eNCA journalists took a stand for “independent journalism,” following allegations of editorial interference and censorship by Pillay.
The group included anchors Xoli Mngambi, Jane Dutton, Thembekile Mrototo and Dan Moyane, as well as journalists Khumalo, Heidi Giokos and Masego Rahlaga
Meanwhile, the suspension of journalist Khayelihle Khumalo had been lifted following pressure from his colleagues on management.
Khumalo was suspended by Pillay after he tweeted about the EFF’s elective conference, which eNCA had decided it would not cover in solidarity with Daily Maverick, which was banned by the party.
