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Johannesburg - The SA National Editors' Forum (Sanef) says it has taken note of allegations made by the ANC that the Daily Dispatch newspaper is plotting to bring down the Eastern Cape government.
"Sanef has also taken note of the statement by the Daily Dispatch, denying any knowledge of such a document or plans," executive director Mathatha Tsedu said on Thursday.
"Sanef further notes that the ANC statement indicates that the organisation would be approaching Sanef for a discussion. We await the opportunity to be briefed by the ANC."
Earlier, the African National Congress in a statement alleged that it had a document which proved that the newspaper had developed a plot at its "bosberaad" (planning session) for 2015/16 year to "tarnish" the Eastern Cape premier and collapse the provincial government.
"A document of the newspaper leaked to the ANC, includes several damning plans of the Daily Dispatch to spy on the ANC Eastern Cape chairperson, comrade Phumullo Masualle. A further extract from the document, under a section, 'The Opposition' reads, 'Is there something that they are coming up with? Can we work with them?' obviously against the ANC and the ANC government," national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said.
Daily Dispatch editor Bongani Siqoko has denied that such a document exists and that the newspaper held a "bosberaad".
"Consequently the Daily Dispatch has nothing to do with the document the ANC claims to have in its possession," he said in a statement.
"We are disappointed that the ANC elected not to confront the Daily Dispatch with these allegations, which we would have directly refuted."
Siqoko said there had been false accusation going around the past week that his paper was spying on Masualle and this was formally raised when the premier's office visited the newsroom.
He said the meeting was cordial and fruitful.
"We have never been driven by an agenda or political affiliation.
"Our daily motivation is a relentless pursuit for truth. And that entails holding those in power accountable. To that end, we remain unbending," Siqoko said.
Times Media, the owners of the Daily Dispatch, have had to bolster security measures around senior staff members and Siqoko following threats.
"Security experts have since confirmed that these threats are credible and need to be taken seriously," said Siqoko.
