TimesLIVE apologises to Shamiel Cassim

TimesLIVE apologises to Shamiel Cassim for reporting on March 15 (“Hideous’ mansion resident angers community with plans to buy historic building”) that he had condoned dubious tactics to quell resistance to his proposed private home in Simon’s Town;  this claim did not have a seed of demonstrable truth to it and was not prepared in accordance with acceptable principles of journalistic conduct.

Following a ruling by the press ombudsman in response to a complaint by Cassim, we also apologise for not asking him to comment on this matter prior to publication, and for any unnecessary harm to his dignity and reputation.

The ombudsman, Johan Retief, has also asked us to clarify that:

- While Cassim was planning to buy the Royal Alfred Hall in Simon’s Town, he was not doing so in his personal capacity or for personal use;

- The main concern raised against his proposed private home was that the structure might be used for business purposes, while there were only two parking spaces;

- Cassim’s proposed house was to be built not in the “historic core” of Simon’s Town, but in the heritage protection overlay zone;

- Cassim had to follow special processes, which did not indicate that he had asked for special favours; and

- It was Cassim’s architect who allegedly personally contacted objectors, not his lawyer.

Visit www.presscouncil.org.za for the full finding.