The payment of outstanding salaries to journalists and other employees of the Daily Dispatch and The Herald has brought relief to workers and their families after weeks of uncertainty over their livelihoods.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, welcomed the resolution of the salary payment challenges. She said it is an important step towards restoring stability and confidence at the two Eastern Cape newspapers.
The delayed salary payments had raised concern about the welfare of employees and the future of the publications. “This development will bring relief to the affected employees and their families who had to endure this financial uncertainty,” the Chairperson said. “We hope this marks the beginning of a more stable chapter for the publications,” she said.
She emphasised that journalists play an indispensable role in South Africa's constitutional democracy by informing the public, promoting accountability and giving communities access to credible information. “Journalists perform an essential public service, often under demanding circumstances. It is therefore imperative that they are remunerated fairly and on time for the vital work they do in strengthening our democracy. Delays in paying workers are not merely an employment matter,” she said. “They have a direct impact on families, livelihoods and the sustainability of quality journalism,” said Ms Diko.
The Chairperson further called on all stakeholders to work together to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the publications and protect jobs within the media sector. “Our priority now should be to ensure that this becomes the last time workers must endure such uncertainty. Sustainable business practices, responsible corporate governance and respect for workers' rights are essential to preserving independent journalism and the public's right to information," she added.
The committee has been vocal in highlighting the importance of a sustainable and resilient media sector that protects media freedom while ensuring decent working conditions for journalists and media workers.
Justice Molafo
6 August 2026
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