South African journalists must be impartial during the upcoming political elections, the SA National Editors Forum said on Monday.

"In the run-up to the election, Sanef wants to assure the South African public that the media will uphold the professional values and codes of conduct that prevail in our industry."

Sanef said during its council meeting in Durban on Monday it had "noted and condemned the utterances of journalists expressing preference to cover certain political parties and not others.

"Journalists are expected to adhere to the press code that commits all journalists to report objectively without fear or favour."

Sanef also said it appealed to political parties to let journalists do their jobs freely in the run-up to the elections, "especially as the electioneering atmosphere and campaigns gain momentum".

The forum said during its council meeting it also heard a report from the press ombudsman Joe Thloloe.

"The press ombudsman system of self regulation is serving its intended purpose to hold media accountable."

Sanef said there was increasing public awareness of the ombudman system and its suitability in dealing with public complaints about the conduct of the print media.

All Thloloe's ruling were published in accordance with his instructions, sometimes prominently placed in the publications.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Affairs and Development Dr Zweli Mkhize addressed Sanef during its council dinner on Sunday.

Mkhize is also chairman of the ANC in the region.

"Sanef notes the frank and open discussion held with Dr Mkhize on the role of media, and the need for future and ongoing dialogue with media and the ANC."

Sapa