News24 protects identity of abused child.
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) awards News24 a GLAD[1] and its journalist Sithandiwe Velaphi for exemplary journalistic practice by protecting the identity of a child victim in the article titled, “Eastern Cape court official in custody for allegedly raping, impregnating stepdaughter” (07/06/2024).
The article recounts the arrest of a man employed at the Keiskammahoek Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape for “allegedly raping his teen stepdaughter, who is now pregnant”. According to the journalist, “it is alleged the teenager had been sexually violated for three years. She is currently receiving counselling”.
In the article, the journalist employs an important and ethical journalistic practice and conceals the identity of the child victim by not naming them or the accused as this is in the best interest of the child to not do so. The journalist does not just leave it at that but informs the reader of their ethical choice to protect the identity of the child by including the following disclaimer: “The man, who cannot be named to protect the stepdaughter, who is a minor, was arrested by police last week.”
This action of concealing the identities of both the child and adult perpetrator in this instance is in line with ethical considerations and guidelines as outlined in section 8.3 of the South African Press Code where it is held that the media shall “not identify children who have been victims of abuse or exploitation, or who have been charged with or convicted of a crime, without the consent of their legal guardians (or a similarly responsible adult) and the child (taking into consideration the evolving capacity of the child), a public interest is evident and it is in the best interests of the child.”[2]
For this reason, MMA commends News24 and journalist Sithandiwe Velaphi for their outstanding work. We encourage News24 to continue their ethical reporting, always prioritising the best interests of children.
Written By Azola Dayile
Edited by Ntombifuthi Kubeka
[1] GLADs are awarded to media for reporting on children responsibly and for accessing them.