For the record

The Citizen apologises to the University of Pretoria (UP) for not approaching it for comment on a story run on November 13 last year about the death of a worker, employed by contracted maintenance company, Servest, who was operating machinery on campus.

The story quoted witnesses and a spokesperson of a union which is not recognised by the university, as well as a statement made by UP on the incident.

UP complained to the media ombudsman, who ruled that the story was in breach of section 1.8 of the Press Code which states: “The media shall seek the views of the subject of critical reportage in advance of publication…”

Ombudsman Johan Retief said UP complained that it was not asked for comment. “There is nothing wrong with the story as it stands – the newspaper had the right to interview the person who was first on the death scene, and to report that person’s views.”

The newspaper was also entitled to run comment from the union, because whether or not it was recognised by UP was irrelevant. However, the reference to the statement by UP was not sufficient comment, he found.

“The allegations – that the university had bought hazardous equipment and that the man’s death was caused by the lack of proper training – remained hanging in the air.”

Visit presscouncil.org. za for the full finding.