We can all get a bit disillusioned with the media from time to time. eTV was called out for getting into bed with government, the SABC has long been accused of being a ruling party mouthpiece and You magazine changed to glossier paper, rendering its only real use of wiping your arse with the magazine less effective.

At least we still have the Independent Media group, right? Those guys who call it like it is and remain impartial, a media watchdog who berates the powers that be when they step out of line.

Not according to well-respected journalist Max Du Preez, who has tendered his resignation from the group in light of what he believes is unacceptable behaviour on the part of senior colleagues.

He called out Karima Brown, Independent Newspapers Executive Editor, for issuing an apology to the ANC without consulting him, and cited other examples of the group’s rapidly diminishing neutrality regarding South Africa’s governance.

This excerpt, taken from du Preez’s letter of resignation, just about sums it all up:

The transformation the media in South Africa needs is not a replacement of critical voices with loyal ANC cadres. The transformation we need is for the media to fight harder for a clean and accountable government; to hold up a mirror to our entire society rather than just to the urban elite; to champion the cause of the marginalised rather than comfort the already comfortable.

Take a bow Max, you’ve played out of your boots.

Read the full story on the Mail and Guardian.