[LISTEN] News media has an ethical contract with society - Songezo Zibi

Former Business Day editor Songezo Zibi discusses his stance on the reporting of the Sars rogue unit by the Sunday Times.

Investigative journalism has played a crucial role in exposing corruption in South African in the past years.

Issues such as state capture and maladministration at the South African Revenue Services are some of the big stories covered by investigative journalists.

However, between 2014 and 2015, the Sunday Times published numerous stories about the existence of a 'rogue unit'. The newspaper’s investigation unit played a crucial role in the destruction of the Hawks and Sars.

The newspaper later apologised for the articles and the press ombudsman also ruled that the Sunday Times retract all stories.

The news media has an ethical contract with the society and that contract is a very powerful component of our democratic architecture.

Songezo Zibi, Head of Communications at Barclays Africa Group Limited

If it had not been for journalism, we would not be at the point where Minister Nene is testifying today at the state capture commission.

Songezo Zibi, Head of Communications at Barclays Africa Group Limited

The former Business Day editor took to Twitter on the weekend to describe how he questioned the Sunday Times articles on the 'rogue unit'.

The most stupid important question I felt we needed to answer was what is spying? What is the legal definition of spying?

Songezo Zibi, Head of Communications at Barclays Africa Group Limited

I think judgment was not applied vigorously in my view. When we look at the same set of facts, I just felt that certain conclusions could not be made without making reference to what makes them true.

Songezo Zibi, Head of Communications at Barclays Africa Group Limited

You have to make an ethical call when you realise that I'm wrong. You can either double down and try and prove your case regardless because it's too embarrassing and your ego doesn't allow you to admit.

Songezo Zibi, Head of Communications at Barclays Africa Group Limited

Listen to what callers had to say about the discussion...

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