The Cape Times has confirmed the appointment of\u00a0Gasant Abarder as its new editor\u00a0following\u00a0the\u00a0controversial sacking of\u00a0Alide Dasnois, last week.<\/p>\n
Abarder is a\u00a0former editor of the Cape Argus, also an Independent Newspapers group publication.<\/p>\n
Mail & Guardian reported that Dasnois\u00a0was inexplicably removed from her position at the Cape Times by the group\u2019s controlling shareholder, Sekunjalo Consortium.<\/p>\n
The Guardian pointed out that Dasnois’ dismissal\u00a0coincided with the Cape Times having published a front page article on public protector Thuli madonsela\u2019s findingsn which implicated Sekunjalo Consortium in an R800 million tender irregularity with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.<\/p>\n
Dasnois is believed to have been offered redeployment in another capacity within the company.<\/p>\n
The former editor only stated the following: “I am in the process of seeking legal advice.”<\/p>\n
SA National Editors\u2019 Forum (Sanef) said that the reasons behind the sudden dismissal of Dasnois must be made clear.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the absence of a statement from the Cape Times or Sekunjalo Holdings \u2014 the new owner of Independent Newspapers \u2014 explaining why Dasnois was suddenly dismissed, Sanef is concerned whether it has any connection with the publication of a story in the newspaper on Friday,\u201d it said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Sekunjalo wraps up INMSA purchase<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n