EASTERN CAPE – The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has raised concerns over unpaid July salaries at the Daily Dispatch and The Herald. The organisation says journalists and other employees have not received their salaries on time.
SANEF issued the statement on 29 July 2026. It said the delays have caused financial hardship for workers and raised new concerns about the future of the media industry.
New owners under pressure
Ubuntu Media Holdings became responsible for staff salaries after buying the Eastern Cape newspaper titles from Arena Holdings in May 2026.
SANEF said the new owners have a duty to pay journalists and support staff on time. The organisation warned that salary delays affect workers and can also harm newsroom operations.
Journalists continue working
According to SANEF, many employees have continued reporting for duty despite not receiving their July salaries. Some workers are struggling to pay rent, transport costs, and other basic expenses.
As a result, uncertainty around the salary dispute has continued to grow.
Press freedom concerns
According to SANEF, many employees have continued reporting for duty despite not receiving their July salaries. Some workers are struggling to pay rent, transport costs, and other basic expenses.
As a result, uncertainty around the salary dispute has continued to grow.
Journalists continue working
According to SANEF, many employees have continued reporting for duty despite not receiving their July salaries. Some workers are struggling to pay rent, transport costs, and other basic expenses.
As a result, uncertainty around the salary dispute has continued to grow.
Press freedom concerns
SANEF said the issue goes beyond unpaid salaries. The organisation believes long payment delays could weaken media sustainability and reduce the diversity of news available to the public.
Furthermore, it warned that financial instability in newsrooms could affect press freedom and quality journalism in South Africa.
Ubuntu Media Holdings responds
SANEF said it has engaged with Ubuntu Media Holdings about the matter. The company acknowledged the problem and said it is working to resolve it as soon as possible.
In the meantime, SANEF praised journalists and newspaper staff for continuing to publish despite the difficult conditions.The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting media freedom, ethical journalism, and a sustainable news industry in South Africa.Source: South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) media statement issued on 29 July 2026.
