CELEBRATING WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

Today, 03rd May is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom day, as per the proclamation by the United Nations (UN) at its General Assembly in 1993, in line with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This followed the 26th session of UNESCO General Conference in 1991, which adopted the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of principles calling for a free, independent and pluralistic media throughout the world. The Declaration affirms that a free press is essential to the existence of democracy and a fundamental human goal.

This day is therefore an opportunity for all of us to reflect and celebrate the fundamental principles of media freedom, defend and protect media freedom and pay tribute to media activists/journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Chief Executive Officer of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), Lumko Mtimde says, “For S.A., we also celebrate 16 years of media freedom enshrined in our Constitution Act of 1996, the launch of new broadcasting services like Top TV, community newspapers like Sikhula Sonke News, first anniversary of Inkonjane FM (a community radio broadcasting in IsiMpondo in the OR Tambo District), etc. As we celebrate we should remember that media freedom is for all not just media practitioners. We must strive to ensure that every citizen has access to a range of choice of diverse media. We must ensure that rural communities have access to all media including television services. We must ensure responsible journalism and that our media is transformed to reflect South Africa in every respect. We must also support and create an enabling environment for media development and diversity.”

“This year’s World Press Freedom Day, marks the 16th anniversary of the media freedom protected and enshrined in the Constitution Act of 1996, with many laws that gives meaning and effect to it like ICASA Act, MDDA Act, Access to Information Act, Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, etc. The MDDA, which is tasked with building an environment where a diverse, vibrant and creative media flourishes and reflects the needs of all South Africans, invites all South Africans to remember and celebrate World Press Freedom Day. The MDDA has from its inception in 2004 supported more than 282 community and small commercial media projects (both broadcast and print), with approximately more than R102m in grants. As we all celebrate World Freedom Day, the Agency firmly believes that the freedom of the press and diversity of the media is a pre-requisite for a flourishing democracy.” He continues.

The Agency will continue to provide support to the development of more voices in the media through funding, capacity building programmes, which enable and empower people to take control of their lives. This will of course enable them to shape their future as they see fit and completely transform their communities. This year provides an opportunity for all media in particular our print media to reflect and consider plans to further its transformation to reflect the South African society in all respect, ownership and control, management, content, etc.

Issued by:
Hariet Mhlanga