The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The African National Congress Youth League has noted the predominantly white
Wits University Senate's Statement on the Protection of Information Bill and
the proposed Media Tribunal. In the statement, Wits University Senate says,
"the proposal of a Media Appeals Tribunal currently under consideration by
the ANC might enable direct State suppression of the freedom of expression.
Accountable to parliament which is constituted overwhelmingly by the ruling
party, the Tribunal might undermine the media's necessary role in informing
society. The ruling party's antagonistic attitude to the print media has
been illustrated by the recent public eviction from a media conference and
very disturbingly by the arrest and detention of a Journalist at the order
of a Politician".

This remark by the previously renowned institution of higher learning Wits
University is not only disgusting, but sensationally raises false alarms
about the ANC's call for independent regulation and monitoring of the media.
The recently held National General Council of the ANC re-emphasised the
vitality of freedom of expression, yet resolved on the need for independent
media regulation, moving away from the current system of self-regulation by
a toothless, useless and inefficient Press Ombudsman. Wits University Senate
is ignoring the ANC resolutions and show its true right-wing colours and
drum sensationalist politics that the ANC is opposed to media freedom. The
ANC fought for media freedom, will never suppress it under whatever
circumstances, and will never be silent when media violates the right to
dignity of South Africans citizens.

The ANC Youth League advises Wits University to stop entering into politics
and rather focus on rescuing its crumbling image and prestige as an
institution of higher learning. The racism and suppression of students'
activism at Wits University does not qualify Wits University, which is
thriving in the shadow of its former self, to raise anything sensible,
because it continues to harbour racists and intolerant managers with no
vision for transformation. Wits University Senate is advised to properly
read the ANC's resolutions on media regulation and immediately stop
parroting sensational opposition party politics. The predominantly white
Wits University Senate should use the energy they have to advise the
University Management to drop charges against black students whom the
University is persecuting for engaging in a protest for better studying
conditions.