Sanef criticises Rampedi for reportage of #Thembisa10

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) criticised Piet Rampedi who first reported on the Thembisa decuplets and Independent Media for what the forum described as “the collapse of journalistic ethics and standards in the reporting.”

Also read: Statement reportedly issued by Tsotetsi family denies existence of #Thembisa10

“Rampedi interviewed the couple, Gosiame Sithole and Teboho Tsotetsi, at their home in Thembisa, a month before the story was published and uncritically reported their version of events about the birth without verifying the facts with the hospital or doctors involved, as required by the Press Code of South Africa.”

The code states that journalists “must take care to report news truthfully, accurately and fairly.”

Journalists from The Thembisan and other media houses, nationally and even internationally, have not been able to make contact with Sithole nor Tsotetsi.

Sanef stated when journalists started to investigate, they were told by parties in the story that Rampedi told them not to speak to any other journalist and that he would speak on behalf of the family.

“Rampedi steadfastly refused to provide the name of the hospital or medical professionals involved.

“The Pretoria News and IOL further published a fundraising campaign and published bank account details of a firm that was supposedly collecting donations for the family. Independent Media also asked its readers to deliver clothing and gifts for the children,” Sanef stated.

Sanef further criticised Rampedi and Independent Media for continued reportage on the decuplets “without the basic facts having been confirmed or established.”

“The Press Code is clear that journalists should take the utmost care when reporting on matters involving children. Even though Independent Media is not a signatory of the Press Code, it is clear that all journalistic standards were abandoned with the handling of this story,” Sanef stated.

The Thembisan requested comment from Rampedi, Pretoria News, Dr Iqbal Survé and Thobile Mathonsi by 9am on June 16.

No comment has been received.