Statement by Central News on the Conduct of Matshediso Setai
Central News, as the leading independent online digital media house in the Free State province, wishes to issue this formal condemnation of the actions of Ms Matshediso Setai, the spokesperson for Free State Premier Mme Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and newly appointed Chief Director of Government Communications.
We are compelled to address her recent attempt to interfere in our editorial processes, which we view as a blatant disregard for media independence and freedom. This behaviour is not only unacceptable but also contravenes the foundational principles of our democracy as enshrined in the South African Constitution.
For context, Central News recently published a positive article highlighting the achievements and initiatives of Premier Letsoha-Mathae. Rather than acknowledging or applauding this constructive coverage—which has propelled the story to the top of Google search results, outperforming many other outlets—Ms Setai chose to focus solely on the featured image used in the article. She contacted us demanding that we change the picture, implying that we should adhere to her preferences on how the Premier is portrayed. We must emphasise that the image in question is a publicly available photograph that has been utilised across multiple platforms, including official government channels and other media outlets. It is neither derogatory nor misleading, and our selection of it was based on editorial judgement to best complement the story.
This incident is emblematic of a troubling pattern where Ms Setai seeks to dictate to the media, treating journalists and editors as extensions of her office rather than independent entities. We are not her lapdogs, nor do we exist to serve the whims of government officials. Central News prides itself on being the province’s premier digital media platform, delivering unbiased, factual reporting that informs the public. Ms Setai’s actions appear designed to erode the relationship between the Free State government and the media, a relationship that should be built on mutual respect and cooperation for the benefit of our democracy. Instead of fostering positive engagement, she has consistently worked to undermine it, as evidenced by her history of similar interferences.
To provide further context, this is not an isolated occurrence. In March 2024, Ms Setai was accused of meddling in the editorial affairs of SABC News during the State of the Province Address (SOPA). According to reports, she caused a scene by ordering the SABC team, led by Free State and Northern Cape news editor Palesa Moeti, to place undue focus on the Premier. Specifically, she allegedly instructed journalists to film Mme Letsoha-Mathae while she was being prepared with makeup and dressing for the event, and further demanded that the crew follow the Premier with cameras as she proceeded to the venue. Such directives represent a clear overstep into journalistic independence, attempting to script coverage in a manner that prioritises propaganda over objective reporting.
Regrettably, Ms Setai’s embroilment in controversies extends beyond media interference, revealing a broader pattern of questionable conduct that distracts from her role in profiling and supporting her principal, the Premier. For instance, in September 2025, she was implicated in a forgery scandal involving a letter allegedly penned under the name of the Acting Director-General to secure unauthorised funding for communications activities. Sources claimed this was done after failing to obtain internal approvals, raising serious concerns about protocol breaches and potential fraud.
Although Ms Setai denied these allegations, the incident prompted calls for her dismissal and highlighted internal tensions within the provincial government. Furthermore, in November 2025, Ms Setai faced legal action in multiple fronts. She was ordered by a court to repay R4.3 million from a settlement related to her previous employment at the Department of Transport, where she was dismissed for procurement irregularities, gross dishonesty, and other misconduct. In the same month, she was slapped with a defamation lawsuit over messages accusing a colleague of coordinating attacks on behalf of certain ANC officials. Additionally, a criminal case was opened against her by a colleague, further entangling her in allegations of unethical behaviour.
These controversies, spanning forgery, financial impropriety, and defamation, paint a picture of an official more focused on personal battles than on effective communication and governance.
Central News wishes to make it unequivocally clear that we harbour no animosity towards the Free State government or Premier Letsoha-Mathae herself.
Our reporting has often been supportive of provincial initiatives that advance the public good. However, we cannot and will not tolerate Ms Setai’s conduct, which threatens the core tenets of media freedom. The South African Constitution, in Section 16(1), guarantees everyone the right to freedom of expression, which explicitly includes “(a) freedom of the press and other media; (b) freedom to receive or impart information or ideas.” This provision is a cornerstone of our post-apartheid democracy, designed to prevent the kind of state interference that characterised the previous regime. Moreover, the Bill of Rights in Chapter 2 of the Constitution underscores that such rights may only be limited in a manner that is reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society. Ms Setai’s attempts to control editorial content do not meet this threshold and infringe upon these protections.
In addition, South Africa’s media landscape is guided by principles outlined in the Press Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media, administered by the Press Council. Clause 1.1 emphasises that “the media shall take care to report news truthfully, accurately and fairly,” while Clause 3.3 protects editorial independence by stating that “the media shall not allow commercial, political, personal or other non-professional considerations to influence or slant reporting.” Ms Setai’s interventions directly challenge these standards, attempting to impose political considerations on journalistic output.
We call upon Ms Setai to immediately cease such behaviour and to respect the independence of the media.
She is fortunate that our article on the Premier was positive and well-received; her response should have been one of gratitude rather than criticism over a trivial matter like a featured image. More importantly, we urge Premier Mme Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae to intervene and call Ms Setai to order. As the head of the provincial executive, the Premier has a responsibility under Section 125 of the Constitution to ensure that her administration upholds democratic values, including media freedom. Allowing this pattern to continue risks damaging the government’s credibility and the province’s relationship with the fourth estate.
Central News remains committed to ethical journalism and serving the people of the Free State with integrity. We will continue to report without fear or favour, holding power to account where necessary.
Issued by Central News Digital Editor in Chief
Bongane Tshabalala
Email: bongane@centralnews.co.za
For Interviews:
Rev. Khumalo , Central News Spokesperson 079 096 0635 whatsapp / call (063) 074-4398
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