The IFP commemorates World Press Freedom Day and we mark this day to recognize and thank all South African media personnel at home and abroad for their remarkable contribution to society in keeping us informed. 

Far too often we take for granted the factual, accurate, fair and impartial news and information that appear on our television screens, in our newspapers on the internet or on our social feeds. 

The sacrifice and the important role of the media in our country and the world at large must never be disregarded or go unnoticed. 

We honour all journalists, reporters and field personnel who have passed on during this uncertain time in fighting the spread of Covid-19 around the world, and we salute those who remain in the field, sacrificing their health in order for us to receive fact based, truthful and accurate information. 

We mark this day to honour those who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. We have lost many reporters in the past and far too many are currently under attack in the pursuit of justice and freedom. 

The IFP as a fervent defender of the press, will continue to fight for the rights and freedom of the media in safeguarding them from attacks on their independence and to hold the media accountable should their accuracy be questioned. 

We all have a role to play in ensuring that we continue to choose information that is unaltered, unbiased, unfiltered and unedited, as we navigate the global realities and ever-changing technology. 

We call on all South Africans to take action against ‘fake-news’ and disinformation by rejecting its content and reporting it accordingly.

Issued by IFP