Editorial | Defence of press freedom must not relent
At a time when national indicators on corruption, clean governance and economic growth are pointing in the wrong direction, it is interesting that there are positive signs in at least one global index.
On Wednesday, the world observed World Press Freedom Day and, according to the World Press Freedom Index, South Africa scores well. Journalists in this country are able to publish and broadcast stories without fear of imprisonment or personal harm.
However, South Africa, like the rest of the world, faces a new challenge: the dissemination of fake information to sow confusion and divert the truth. Political players are involved in massive disinformation and propaganda campaigns, blurring the lines between true and false, facts and artifices, thus jeopardising the right to information.
South Africa is ranked number 25 for the way it lets its media to do its work. This is a privilege in a world where journalists are abducted, killed and jailed for their reporting. Even our neighbour Zimbabwe is among the worst offenders in how it treats media practitioners But the South African media fraternity should not let its guard down. Most of these freedoms were not given on a silver platter, they were fought for and hard won. Examples include how government’s insidious Secrecy Bill was challenged and stopped in its tracks. The latest example is how President Cyril Ramaphosa was recently forced to appoint the SABC board through threats of court action and persistent civil society agitation. We should never take these freedoms for granted.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Botswana human rights abuse takes spotlight at UN | City PressBotswana government alleged human rights violations take centre stage at the United Nations.
Read more »
Australia to tour South Africa for limited-overs series | City PressThe first two games will be in Bloemfontein, followed by matches in Potchefstroom, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Read more »
Napoli end three-decade Serie A title drought, since Diego Maradona | City PressNapoli won their first Serie A title after 33 years as they drew with Udinese at Dacia Arena to spark jubilant celebrations back in Naples.
Read more »
Team SA's young athletes bring home 66 medals from Zambia | City PressTeam South Africa returned home to thunderous applause on Thursday after they finished top of the medals table at the just-concluded CAA U-18 and U-20 African Athletics Championships in Ndola, Zambia.
Read more »
Riveiro warns Chiefs to expect a different Pirates for this Soweto Derby | City PressOrlando Pirates have not lost a match since their last Derby defeat against Chiefs in February, and the Bucs are now on an eight-match winning streak in league and cup fixtures.
Read more »