FirstRand donates R500,000 to SANEF Media Relief Fund

FirstRand has donated half a million rand to help journalists financially impacted by Coronavirus through the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) Media Relief Fund. The donation, made up of contributions from FirstRand and its operating businesses - FNB, RMB, WesBank, and Ashburton Investments, is part of a range of the group's Coronavirus relief measures.

"The group believes that the media has played a vital role in ensuring that the nation is kept up to date on key developments in the Covid-19 pandemic, through credible journalism and platforms. It has ensured that South African citizens have been reliably informed on the necessary measures to keep themselves and their loved ones safe," FirstRand said in a statement.

SANEF chairperson Mahlatse Mahlase expressed her gratitude for the contribution, saying: "We are truly grateful to FirstRand for contributing to the fund and recognising the important role journalism plays in strengthening our democracy. South Africans have turned to trusted news sources in the face of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic. The contribution will go a long way in cushioning the blow."