04 March 2026
The closure of City Press and the ultimate loss of nineteen jobs should be bemoaned by all across South Africa’s news industry and the larger South African public.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is saddened that a newspaper that has played a critical role in not only the past thirty-two years of our democracy, but also during the apartheid era, is shutting its doors in this abrupt manner.
While we understand the current challenges faced by our sector, we would like to caution news managers and owners to be circumspect while navigating this disrupted industry, one that is still battling various challenges, such as the major losses of profits.
The closure of City Press’ print edition at the end of 2024 and the channelling of all efforts to their digital publication was always going to pose challenges, the biggest of which was that newspaper advertising still dwarfs online advertising. The drawback of the printed news is the exorbitant printing and distribution costs. This is why managers must walk a fine line in managing changes.
While Media24 has advanced its reasons for rushing to an online-only platform for City Press, we urge the company to look at all available options to save jobs, where possible.
As newsrooms become more digital, there needs to be circumspection and strategic thinking when making decisions that affect newsrooms. If this is not managed properly, the effect will be devastating on journalists, editors, and other staff members involved in the entire news ecosystems of brands.
SANEF will continue to engage with Media24 and employees at City Press as this process unfolds, as per the Labour Relations Act. The affected workers need to be treated fairly, and priority given to them as per any available vacancies across Media24.
Ends.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
For more information, please contact:
Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134
Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621
Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415
Slindile Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367
Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984
Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Jude Mathurine – Eastern Cape Convenor (083) 799-1701
Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138-5564
Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695
Twitter: @SAEditorsForum
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SANEF.org.za
