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The Ministry of Communications, in conjunction with the Film and Publication Board (FPB), launched a discussion document on classification guidelines for the comment of the Public today. The review of the Film and Publication Classification Guidelines come shortly after the release of the award winning film, Inxeba: “The Wound”, which brought to the fore the difficulty the country faces with balancing competing rights in our constitutional democracy.

“When our diversity is brought to the fore, we do not have the space or scope to crush one another simply because of our divergence or differences. Living in a Constitutional democracy obliges us to cross over to the other side and immerse ourselves in each other’s shoes.” said the Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Pinky Kekana.

The FPB Classification Guidelines create a standard set of criteria through which content can be reviewed with some level of consistency, no matter the origin or topic. The outcome of the application of these guidelines is a consumer advisory on the nature of the content that the viewer may be exposed themselves to. This gives the consumer the power to choose whether they are ready to view society through the lens of a particular film or artistic work. Most importantly, the advisory allows a parent or caregiver to decide whether the content is suitable or will cause harm to their children.

Whilst we must ensure that we protect our children from harmful content, the temptation to censor artists with a specific point of view cannot find expression in a Constitutional democracy.

The Film and Publication Board encourages the public to participate in their nation-wide roadshow during September and October to gain inputs on the revised Guidelines. Visit www.fpb.org.za for more information on the roadshow, and to view the draft Classification for discussion. Members of the public may send comments and proposals to the following e-mail: classificationguidelines@fpb.org.za

Issued by Government Communication and Information System