Dear all
I shall first present my decision regarding the text that needs to be published before motivating my decision.
Text
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Last year Daily Sun reported on Buti Nhlapo who had made various allegations against the Universal Church for the Kingdom of God. Buti claimed amongst other things that the church had turned his life into a nightmare with allegations that it was forcing him to marry one of the bishop’s daughters. On the day of publication of the report the church pointed out that the bishop at Park Station does not have any children – which means that Buti’s statement was incorrect. The church also refuted Buti’s allegation that it had made his life hell and had caused him nightmares. · The church consulted its lawyers, and then lodged a complaint with the Press Ombudsman. The attempts to get the parties to agree on the text above took months, which is why it is published only now. |
Motivation
The only bone of contention is the phrase “on the day of publication of the report”.
I accept that this statement is factually correct, which means that I have no reason to leave it out (as Daily Sun wants me to do).
However, the bullet should cater for the newspaper’s concerns regarding this matter.
Our Complaints Procedures lay down that within seven working days of receipt of this decision, either party may apply for leave to appeal to the Chairperson of the SA Press Appeals Panel, Judge Bernard Ngoepe, fully setting out the grounds of appeal. He can be contacted at Khanyim@ombudsman.org.za.
Regards
Johan