Independent moves against Tony Weaver

On 19 October, at the daily news conference of the Cape Times editorial team to discuss the following day’s paper, the issue arose of a photograph that was to be published showing the scene of a robbery at a mall in Somerset West. A Cape Times deputy-editor suggested that the image be cropped, so as to exclude the branding of Pick n Pay, which could be seen in the background. Pick n Pay advertises with the Cape Times, and the argument was that associating its branding with the scene of a crime might be considered bad publicity.

Weighing in on the debate, Weaver voiced concerns over the altering of a news photograph. Weaver subsequently asked for clarity on the Cape Times policy on cropping photographs in future such instances.

The South African Press Code states:

“The press shall not allow commercial, political, personal or other non- professional considerations to influence or slant reporting.”

On Friday Weaver received a letter from Independent Newspapers. His lawyer, Matthew Walton, read the letter’s contents to GroundUp over the phone.

Weaver has been warned to appear before a disciplinary hearing on 5 November. He is charged with gross “disrespect and insolence”. The letter reads that Weaver conducted himself in an “unacceptable manner” in “undermining” the authority of the editor in front of Cape Times staff.

The letter further states, “The alleged misconduct constitutes a breach in your contract of employment. Should the allegations against you be proved, you may be dismissed.”

Weaver confirmed receipt of the letter, but declined to comment.

Separately, Cape Times news editor A’eysha Kassiem resigned yesterday.

Several leading journalists have been dismissed or resigned from Independent Newspapers in the past year, following its purchase by a consortium led by Sekunjalo, whose executive chairperson is Dr Iqbal Surve. First to be dismissed from her post was Cape Times editor Alide Dasnois, who has since joined GroundUp.

Others who have left include:

• Jonathan Ancer, Training Editor
• Martine Barker, Managing Editor, Independent Newspapers Cape
• Terry Bell, Columnist, Business Report
• Glenn Bownes, Content Editor, Cape Times
• Dave Chambers, Head, Independent Production Unit
• Cobus Coetzee, Reporter, Cape Times
• Ann Crotty, Senior Reporter, Business Report
• Peter de Ionno, Deputy Editor, Business Report
• Caryn Dolley, Reporter, Cape Times
• Tanya Farber, Reporter, Cape Times
• Janet Heard, Head of News, Cape Times
• Michelle Jones, Reporter, Cape Times
• Philani Mgwaba, Editor, The Mercury
• Moshoeshoe Monare, Editor, Sunday Independent
• Sybrand Mostert, Assistant News Editor, Cape Times
• Zara Nicholson, Reporter, Cape Times
• Piet Rampedi, Political Bureau
• Donald Presley, Senior Reporter, Business Report
• Makhudu Sefara, Editor, The Star
• Chris Whitfield, Editor in Chief, Independent Newspapers Cape
• Ethene Zinn, Copy Taster, Independent Production Unit

We have approached Independent Newspapers for comment. They have requested that we email our request. They had not responded at time of publication but this article will be updated if and when we receive their comment.

This story is being updated as more information becomes available.