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 decision that Parliament will reconsider a draft media protocol, which seeks to regulate the interaction between journalists and political party support staff, should be welcomed.

This decision was made following an attempt by Parliament to revoke the media accreditation of an Independent Group journalist who wrote an article citing criticism of the ANC’s handling of the Protection of Information Bill.

Parliament’s handling of this matter was cause for serious concern. In a democracy such as ours, in which a free media is supposed to be regarded as paramount, MPs and journalists must be allowed to interact freely.

It is vital that Parliament is a forum for robust engagement, not a tool to infringe on media freedom. The DA, in its role as the official opposition, will continue to do all that it can to ensure that this remains the case.