Politicsweb
*Journalist says The Star ran claim despite Ramaphosa telling her it was untrue***
/Statement issued by Gaye Davis, Group Deputy Political Editor, Independent Newspapers, December 18 2012/
*Gaye Davis, Politicsweb, Johannesburg, 19 December 2012*Following news reports I would like to issue the following by way of clarification:
Editors in the Independent Newspapers group were informed on Monday 17 December that I have resigned my position as group deputy political editor, a post I have held since October 2008.
My specific reason for stepping down is that I wish to publicly disassociate myself from the article published in The Star on Monday that stated that Mr Cyril Ramaphosa had withdrawn from the race for deputy president (see The Star's "Cyril dumps Zuma" report here).
I had no hand in writing the story. I did, however, early on Sunday evening get confirmation from Mr Ramaphosa that - contrary to what the article was stating - he had accepted and signed his nomination form. This information was duly communicated to the article's author, who told me The Star stood by its story, and that it was up to other editors to make their own decision. I communicated with the other morning newspaper editors in the group, who took appropriate action and did not run the story in its original form.
Ethically, I believe I cannot publicly distance myself from the story while remaining in the employ of Independent Newspapers.
It is critical that the media adhere to high professional standards. In a decades-long career as a journalist I have strived to act in accordance with the principles and values that underpin these and would like to preserve whatever credibility I may have earned.
I have also personally informed Mr Ramaphosa of my decision. Gaye DavisStatement issued by Gaye Davis, Group Deputy Political Editor, Independent Newspapers, December 18 2012
*From: http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page71654?oid=347924&sn=Detail&pid=71616*
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