I want to thank the editors of Independent and IOL for offering me the platform to share this crucial message. As Chairman of Independent Media and IOL, I believe this editorial comes at a critical time, with media freedom and South Africa’s democracy under serious threat.
Media serves as the cornerstone of any democracy. It holds power accountable and amplifies diverse voices. Without it, we risk allowing unchecked corruption and mismanagement to shape our future. South Africa has the potential to be a global success story, but only if we safeguard media freedom and create an environment that supports transparency and accountability.
The Survé Family and Sekunjalo have invested approximately R1.4 billion in South African media businesses, spanning newspapers, radio, online platforms, magazines, and digital marketing. These investments have provided jobs for over a thousand people. Despite the difficult landscape faced by print media, we remain committed to ensuring a platform for diverse, independent narratives that challenge the status quo.
Our media has fearlessly exposed major scandals: PPE corruption, the looting of SOEs, the Phala Phala scandal, and rampant mismanagement at every level of government. We’ve also shone a light on the complicity of the private sector. Through these efforts, we’ve halted the wholesale looting of state resources and helped recover billions. In stark contrast, many in the media have stayed silent or, worse, protected certain political factions and business elites by skewing their reporting. Their selective silence speaks volumes.
In standing for media freedom and diversity of thought, the Survé Family and Sekunjalo have faced immense backlash. Powerful oligarchs, with wealth rooted in apartheid-era looting, have joined forces with politicians and business elites to tarnish our reputation. For over 25 years, we have operated with the highest integrity, yet a coordinated media and social media smear campaign—similar to the tactics used by Bell Pottinger—has targeted us. This relentless effort, spanning more than 5,000 defamatory articles, aims to isolate us by damaging our standing with customers, suppliers, and potential talent.
These attacks are based on lies. The media has falsely labelled us as corrupt, despite no evidence. They manipulate headlines, photos, and cartoons to create a narrative of wrongdoing, all while ignoring our long-standing commitment to anti-corruption and good governance. Politicians, too, have exploited commissions like the Mpati Commission, which, despite offering no solid findings, continues to be used against us in public discourse and by banks as an excuse to close our accounts.
Even without any evidence of corruption or wrongdoing, banks have cited “reputational risk” to shut our accounts, while they continue to serve entities and individuals found guilty of serious offences. We have been unbanked for reputational reasons alone, forcing us to operate on a cash-only basis. Despite this, we pay over R700 million to suppliers and more than R200 million in salaries every month, without any access to credit facilities or banking services.
This isn’t just an attack on our business—it’s economic sabotage. There’s a coordinated effort to deny us the ability to operate by cutting off our access to credit, targeting our partners, and spreading disinformation about our group. Yet, in the face of these challenges, we remain debt-free with South African banks and committed to our country’s economic transformation and growth.
We have always supported the judiciary, but recent experiences have raised concerns about fairness. In a case involving racial discrimination, we were assigned five white judges—an unusual and deeply concerning decision. We fear the influence of media and political elites is now seeping into our justice system.
Our commitment to media freedom, economic transformation, and constitutional integrity remains unwavering. However, this fight is bigger than us. I urge South Africans to stand with us in defending these values. Support Independent Media and IOL by subscribing to our platforms. Together, we can resist those who seek to control our minds and our future.
Our liberation came at a great cost. We cannot allow powerful interests to strip us of the freedoms so many fought for. Join us in defending our democracy, our freedom, and our future.
* Dr Iqbal Survé is the Executive Chairman of Independent Media and IOL.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
Brandstories Disclaimer:
Brandstories is not liable for the contents of the information published on this platform. The information which subscribers publish on this website is for general information purposes only and Brandstories facilitates the ability for viewers and subscribers to access this platform. Subscribers who publish their content on Brandstories are held responsible for their own content. This includes ensuring that it is factually accurate, grammatically correct, free of spelling errors, and does not contain unsavoury content that could result in legal action. In the case of linguistic translations, the onus is on the client to ensure that the translation is accurate. In no event does Brandstories make representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information supplied and published. This website includes links to other websites, including third party websites. Brandstories does not recommend, endorse or support any views that are held by subscribers publishing information, and within these links provided. Furthermore, Brandstories does not have control over the nature, contents and availability of information contained on these sites. Any form of reliance readers and consumers may place on information published on Brandstories is strictly at their own risk. Brandstories makes every effort to ensure that the website is up and running smoothly at all times, however Brandstories does not take responsibility for, and will not be held liable for times when the website is temporarily unavailable due to technical glitches that are beyond our control.