Gasant Abarder named editor of Cape Times

"We are delighted to welcome Gasant back to the group and wish him all the best in his new role‚" an e-mail sent to staff said.

Abarder was editor of Cape Times sister title the Cape Argus from 2009 until April this year.

He then took up the position of group editor for broadcasting company Primedia.

Before he worked at the Argus‚ Abarder was the deputy editor of the Daily Voice at Independent Newspapers.

It was during his tenure at the Argus that the format of the newspaper was changed from a broadsheet to a tabloid and it began to publish morning editions that brought it into direct competition with the Cape Times.

Dasnois' dismissal is believed to be linked to the Cape Times running with its front page about Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's release of her report into the R800m a year tender for the management of the state's fishing patrol and survey vessels.

Survé‚ who is also chairman of JSE-listed Sekunjalo Investments‚ believes the report vindicates that company and wanted an apology from the newspaper.

A lawyer's letter was sent to Independent Newspapers editor-in-chief Chris Whitfield on Friday demanding a front-page apology.

On Monday the Cape Times published a short article on page 8 saying Sekunjalo Investments would be taking it to the Press Ombudsman.

No official comment was obtained from either Sekunjalo Investments or Independent Newspapers.