The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has placed its senior political journalist Natasha Phiri on precautionary suspension following testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. At the commission, police sergeant Fannie Nkosi said he paid Phiri R500 moments after she sent him the contact details of entertainment blogger Musa Khawula. Nkosi initially denied making the payment but later admitted to it during proceedings.
The SABC said the matter is under investigation and no findings have been made. Spokesperson Mmoni Ngubane said the broadcaster takes the issue seriously. “The SABC consistently emphasises the importance of upholding the corporation’s values of trust, respect and integrity in all interactions,” Ngubane said.
Small amount, serious consequences
The case centres on a payment of R500. While the amount is relatively small, the consequences are significant. Phiri has been suspended, and the outcome of the investigation could affect her career. The case has also drawn attention to the pressures journalists face in their work.
Low pay and newsroom pressure
Many journalists in South Africa, especially freelancers and junior reporters, earn modest incomes. Some cover transport, airtime and other reporting costs themselves while working long and irregular hours. The media industry has also seen job cuts, shrinking budgets and increasing workloads in recent years. Media analysts say these conditions can place pressure on journalists, although they stress that ethical standards must be upheld.
“Low pay can make journalists more vulnerable,” said a media analyst who asked not to be named. “It does not excuse misconduct, but it is part of the reality in the industry.”
Decline of traditional revenue
The financial pressures facing journalists are linked to changes in how news is funded. Traditionally, newspapers and broadcasters relied heavily on advertising revenue. But over the past decade, much of this revenue has shifted to global digital platforms such as Google and Meta, which now dominate the online advertising market.
As a result, many news organisations have seen declining income, leading to staff cuts, lower pay and reduced resources for reporting. The move to online news has also made it harder for outlets to charge readers directly, especially in communities where people cannot afford subscriptions.
What can be done?
Media experts say addressing the problem will require a combination of solutions. Some suggest:
Stronger public funding models for public broadcasters, with safeguards for editorial independence
Fair payment agreements between news organisations and digital platforms that benefit from news content
Support for local and community media, which often operate with limited resources
Better protection and minimum standards for freelance journalists. There are also calls for media organisations to invest in sustainable models such as memberships, donations and diversified income streams.
Lessons from other countries
Some countries have introduced policies to support journalism. In Australia, a law requires digital platforms to negotiate payments with news publishers for using their content. In Canada, similar legislation was introduced to ensure tech companies compensate media organisations.
Some European countries, including France, have also implemented rules requiring platforms to pay for news content. Governments in countries like Norway provide direct support or subsidies to media organisations to sustain independent journalism.
Ethics and accountability
Accepting money in exchange for information is widely regarded as a breach of journalistic ethics because it can undermine public trust. The SABC said its investigation is ongoing. The case has raised broader questions about whether journalists are adequately supported to meet the ethical demands of their work, and whether the industry can remain sustainable without stronger financial backing.
