Appeal Decision: Lizelle Strydom vs. Sunday Times
The appeal proceedings in the case of Lizelle Strydom vs. Sunday Times were presided over by Judge Bernard Ngoepe, Chair of the Appeals Panel. Strydom had appealed the Press Ombud’s decision, which had dismissed her complaints against the Sunday Times for an article published on March 15, 2015.
The article in question reported on Strydom’s opposition to a mining development in the Hopefield area, Western Cape, and quoted her as saying that the mine would attract black people, referred to as “bantus.” Strydom denied using the word “bantus” and claimed that the article inaccurately portrayed her as a racist.
During the appeal proceedings, Judge Ngoepe reviewed the Press Ombud’s decision and considered Strydom’s grounds for appeal. The judge noted that the Press Ombud had correctly dismissed Strydom’s complaints, as the journalist’s notes and testimony supported the accuracy of the article.
In his ruling, Judge Ngoepe stated that Strydom had failed to demonstrate reasonable prospects of success on appeal. The judge dismissed the application for leave to appeal, upholding the Press Ombud’s original decision.
The appeal decision reaffirms the importance of journalistic accuracy and accountability, while also highlighting the need for individuals to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions on others.
