The South African National Editors' Forum's reliance on corporate elites, like Patrice Motsepe, undermines the fight for media independence and social justice, writes media justice activist Hassen Lorgat. Image: IOL / Ron AI
The perception that South Africa's leadership requires immense wealth seems to be reinforced by the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF). Patrice Motsepe, one of the country's wealthiest individuals, was a guest speaker at its Annual General Meeting on June 25, 2022, and again at a National Editors' Forum Fundraising Gala Dinner on October 17, 2025. The audience was keen to know if he would become president, but he reaffirmed his strong support for the ANC while ruling out a presidential bid, stating that South Africa does not need a "rich man" as its president. Notwithstanding this disclaimer, his prominence at these events underscores the influence of the extremely wealthy over our editors and society. It reflects a troubling alignment with capital and a failure of visions that are not subservient to corporate elite interests.
Black diamonds shine at SANEF Gala Motsepe ranks in the top 10 of South Africa’s wealthiest men and the only Black person in the group of male billionaires.
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