Update
Interesting comment via Facebook:
What a simplistic way of interpreting Eric’s words… Sadly in SA when confronted with uncomfortable truths we resort to rubbishing the messenger.
Eric Miyeni, the Sowetan, and hatred
Monday, 8 August 2011
8 comments so far...
He’s competing with his dof cousin Julius to see who can whip up the most ….
Jacoba, it’s a pity that the Sowetan fired him. While his column was rubbish, his editor should have taken responsibility. This kind of thing happens too often. Think of Deon Maas, David Bullard, and so on; they were all hired to write cutting columns, only to be sacked for writing cutting columns.
If his column was rubbish then his editor should have fired him for that.
The principle of people (whether in the media or in real life) keeping their jobs regardless or despite their lack of competence and output is the reason why productivity and standards are so low in South Africa.
Fire the assholes – but not with necklaces.
Maybe they just used the article to do the deed quickly and effectively without involving the CCMA? And remember the acting editor fell on his sword too!
Grey, the editor is the boss of the paper. It’s his duty to “edit” what goes into the publication. If not him, then his team of deputies and subs. Otherwise, why are they employed? His column should never have made it to the printers.
I agree that his column should have been scrapped by the editor but one would also expect that a paper like the Sowetan employ reasonably ‘balanced’ columnists. Just a thought.
Jacoba, that depends on the publication. I’m not entirely sure whether or not the Sowetan wanted an edgy writer, but newspapers tend to employ columnists who generate views and controversy.
Edgy is one thing – he was downright defamatory and rude in the extreme. That isn’t journalism – that’s trashier than a tabloid.
Like I said, the editor should have done his job (and taken responsibility). Nevertheless, the paper has since done some damage control, so I guess my point is, sort of, moot.