The IFP marks World Press Freedom Day in celebrating the essential role of the media globally, and further marks this day in defending the freedom of the press on our continent, and in our country.
The importance of the media – through its provision of accurate information, critical debates, informative content, and through reporting current affairs in an unaltered, unbiased, unfiltered and unedited manner – must be commended.
On this day, we also pay tribute to the many journalists and media personnel who have tragically passed on this year as a result of Covid-19. We commemorate their sacrifice and their selfless service while on duty in reporting and disseminating information to the public while we continue to try and curb the spread of Covid-19 in our country.
The essential work of our Editors, Reporters, Journalists and all media and communications personnel from various media houses, platforms and industries in our country is certainly worth celebrating on this day.
The major breakthroughs, where our press have uncovered corruption and held government to account, cannot go unnoticed. However, with the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the media in our country, we must ask of our media houses to ensure that we continue to build on our track record of free and fair press in post-Apartheid South Africa.
The IFP will continue to fight for the rights and freedom of the media as its role and responsibility in our constitutional democracy is imperative. Our young democracy cannot flourish and mature if we do not uphold the freedom of the press.
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Contact:
Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539