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Media release

Media release

The 2025 Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner is a Call to Action for Media Freedom

16 October 2025

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all South Africans and businesses that continue to stand firmly alongside us in defending media freedom. At a time when our democracy requires vigilance, we are deeply encouraged by the solidarity shown by organisations that have pledged their support for SANEF’s Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner. This prestigious event takes place on Friday, 17 October 2025, in Johannesburg.

All eyes will once again focus on this significant gathering, where prominent voices from journalism, business, government, and civil society unite around a common goal: to safeguard and enhance the free flow of truthful information in South Africa.

The 2025 keynote address will be delivered by Dr Patrice Motsepe, billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Re-elected unopposed for a second term in 2025, Dr Motsepe has brought financial discipline and growth to African football while continuing his long-term vision as founder of African Rainbow Minerals.

His address is expected to bring insights into principled leadership, sustainable growth, and the role of business in advancing democratic values. His presence reflects the deep ties between corporate leadership and the civic duty to defend press freedom.

Last year’s keynote address by Justice Mahube Betty Molemela, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, powerfully reminded us of the media’s constitutional mandate. With this year’s distinguished speaker, the 2025 event promises to be equally impactful and forward-looking.

SANEF Chairperson, Makhudu Sefara, says as we commemorate 31 years of democracy, this year’s event is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. Under the theme “Guardians of Democracy: Upholding Integrity in a Changing World,” the gala honours the critical role of the media in defending truth, promoting accountability, and safeguarding press freedom amidst rapidly shifting local and global challenges.

“The independence of the media is not a luxury. It is a necessity for any healthy democracy,” Sefara emphasised. “This event is our collective reminder that democracy survives only when citizens are informed, leaders are held accountable, and truth is never silenced.”

Sefara states that this year’s gala is once again made possible by the generous platinum sponsorship of Absa, alongside many other organisations that have supported SANEF through challenging times. Their commitment reflects a shared belief that a strong, independent media is the cornerstone of democracy and good governance.

Christine Wu, Interim Co Chief Executive: Personal and Private Banking, Absa says: “The health of any democracy depends on the strength of its media. At Absa, we value journalism because it gives voice to truth and ensures the stories shaping our nation are told with integrity. Supporting SANEF is one way we affirm our belief that a free and independent media is essential to South Africa’s future.”

SANEF calls on citizens to acknowledge and support these businesses, which have not only invested in their commercial futures but also in the civic and democratic health of our country. By sponsoring and buying tables at the gala, these companies affirm their belief in the vital role of journalism and their responsibility as corporate citizens.

The SANEF Fundraiser Gala Dinner is the flagship annual event, commemorating Black Wednesday, the day in 1977 when the apartheid government shut down newspapers and silenced journalists. It is both a solemn reminder of our past and a rallying point to ensure history is never repeated.

Funds raised at the gala are essential to sustaining SANEF’s advocacy and defence of journalism. They directly support:

  • The Media Defence Fund offering legal support in critical cases that shape the future of press freedom, including being partners in the cases Riot Hlatshwayo v Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, and amaBhungane v The Moti Group.
  • Policy and legal advocacy ensuring laws and regulations protect rather than stifle media independence.
  • Training and research by fostering ethical journalism, media diversity, and professional excellence in a rapidly changing media environment.

SANEF believes that sponsoring or supporting the gala, businesses demonstrate more than generosity; they reaffirm their commitment to corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and democratic values. They share in the responsibility of protecting our democratic institutions.

SANEF’s work, sustained through the generosity of businesses and citizens, ensures that journalists can do their work without fear, favour, or interference. The media serves as the fourth estate, a watchdog ensuring that truth is never suppressed and power never goes unchecked.

We invite all South Africans to continue showing their unwavering support and to stand with SANEF in our commitment to uphold truth, integrity, and democracy. The 2025 Gala Dinner is not only an evening of recognition and solidarity, it is a beacon of hope for the future of media freedom in South Africa because together, we are guardians of democracy.

16 October 2025

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all South Africans and businesses that continue to stand firmly alongside us in defending media freedom. At a time when our democracy requires vigilance, we are deeply encouraged by the solidarity shown by organisations that have pledged their support for SANEF’s Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner. This prestigious event takes place on Friday, 17 October 2025, in Johannesburg.

All eyes will once again focus on this significant gathering, where prominent voices from journalism, business, government, and civil society unite around a common goal: to safeguard and enhance the free flow of truthful information in South Africa.

The 2025 keynote address will be delivered by Dr Patrice Motsepe, billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Re-elected unopposed for a second term in 2025, Dr Motsepe has brought financial discipline and growth to African football while continuing his long-term vision as founder of African Rainbow Minerals.

His address is expected to bring insights into principled leadership, sustainable growth, and the role of business in advancing democratic values. His presence reflects the deep ties between corporate leadership and the civic duty to defend press freedom.

Last year’s keynote address by Justice Mahube Betty Molemela, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, powerfully reminded us of the media’s constitutional mandate. With this year’s distinguished speaker, the 2025 event promises to be equally impactful and forward-looking.

SANEF Chairperson, Makhudu Sefara, says as we commemorate 31 years of democracy, this year’s event is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. Under the theme “Guardians of Democracy: Upholding Integrity in a Changing World,” the gala honours the critical role of the media in defending truth, promoting accountability, and safeguarding press freedom amidst rapidly shifting local and global challenges.

“The independence of the media is not a luxury. It is a necessity for any healthy democracy,” Sefara emphasised. “This event is our collective reminder that democracy survives only when citizens are informed, leaders are held accountable, and truth is never silenced.”

Sefara states that this year’s gala is once again made possible by the generous platinum sponsorship of Absa, alongside many other organisations that have supported SANEF through challenging times. Their commitment reflects a shared belief that a strong, independent media is the cornerstone of democracy and good governance.

Christine Wu, Interim Co Chief Executive: Personal and Private Banking, Absa says: “The health of any democracy depends on the strength of its media. At Absa, we value journalism because it gives voice to truth and ensures the stories shaping our nation are told with integrity. Supporting SANEF is one way we affirm our belief that a free and independent media is essential to South Africa’s future.”

SANEF calls on citizens to acknowledge and support these businesses, which have not only invested in their commercial futures but also in the civic and democratic health of our country. By sponsoring and buying tables at the gala, these companies affirm their belief in the vital role of journalism and their responsibility as corporate citizens.

The SANEF Fundraiser Gala Dinner is the flagship annual event, commemorating Black Wednesday, the day in 1977 when the apartheid government shut down newspapers and silenced journalists. It is both a solemn reminder of our past and a rallying point to ensure history is never repeated.

Funds raised at the gala are essential to sustaining SANEF’s advocacy and defence of journalism. They directly support:

  • The Media Defence Fund offering legal support in critical cases that shape the future of press freedom, including being partners in the cases Riot Hlatshwayo v Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, and amaBhungane v The Moti Group.
  • Policy and legal advocacy ensuring laws and regulations protect rather than stifle media independence.
  • Training and research by fostering ethical journalism, media diversity, and professional excellence in a rapidly changing media environment.

SANEF believes that sponsoring or supporting the gala, businesses demonstrate more than generosity; they reaffirm their commitment to corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and democratic values. They share in the responsibility of protecting our democratic institutions.

SANEF’s work, sustained through the generosity of businesses and citizens, ensures that journalists can do their work without fear, favour, or interference. The media serves as the fourth estate, a watchdog ensuring that truth is never suppressed and power never goes unchecked.

We invite all South Africans to continue showing their unwavering support and to stand with SANEF in our commitment to uphold truth, integrity, and democracy. The 2025 Gala Dinner is not only an evening of recognition and solidarity, it is a beacon of hope for the future of media freedom in South Africa because together, we are guardians of democracy.