Declaration by the title editors of South Africa’s major publications and members of the South African National Editors’ Forum, expressing concern about attempts to curtail media freedom (07/08/2010)

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Published: 07 Aug 2010

Declaration by the title editors of South Africa’s major publications and members of the South African National Editors’ Forum, expressing concern about attempts to curtail media freedom (07/08/2010)

THE AUCKLAND PARK DECLARATION

We, the title editors of South Africa's major publications and members of the South African National Editors' Forum, are deeply concerned about attempts to curtail freedom of expression and the free flow of information in our country.

Free speech and access to information are the lifeblood of our democracy and were at the very heart of the struggle for freedom. Human dignity is indivisible from freedom of speech.

We vigorously oppose the restrictive clauses in the Protection of Information Bill and the proposed Media Appeals Tribunal.

We appeal to the South African Government and the ruling ANC to abide by the founding principles of our democracy, and to abandon these proposed measures.

We commit ourselves to join hands with all South Africans who value their freedom to defend these basic rights which are enshrined in, and are indeed the cornerstone of, our Constitution.

Signatories:

1. Ainsley Moos, Volksblad
2. Alan Dunn, Daily News
3. Alide Dasnois, Cape Times
4. Andrew Koopman, Son & Sondag Son
5. Andrew Trench, Daily Dispatch
6. Angela Quintal, The Mercury
7. Barney Mthombothi, Financial Mail
8. Bongani Keswa, Sowetan
9. Bun Booyens, Die Burger
10. Charles Mogale, Sunday World
11. Chiara Carter, Weekend Argus
12. Chris Whitfield, Editor-in-Chief, Independent Newspapers Cape
13. Clyde Bawden, The Independent on Saturday
14. Dirk Lotriet, Sondag
15. Ferial Haffajee, City Press
16. Fikile Ntsikelelo Moya, The Witness
17. Jeremy McCabe, Weekend Post
18. Gasant Abarder, Cape Argus
19. Heather Robertson, The Herald
20. Jovial Rantao, The Star
21. Liza Albrecht, Rapport
22. Makhudu Sefara, The Sunday Independent
23. Martin Williams, The Citizen
24. Moegsien Williams, The Star
25. Mondli Makhanya, Editor-in-Chief, Avusa
26. Nic Dawes, Mail& Guardian
27. Peet Kruger, Editor-in-Chief, Media24
28. Peter Bruce, Business Day
29. Philani Mgwaba, Sunday Tribune
30. Phylicia Oppelt, The Times
31. Ray Hartley, Sunday Times
32. Thabo Leshilo, Avusa Public Editor
33. Themba Khumalo, Daily Sun
34. Tim du Plessis, Beeld
35. Thulani Mbatha, Isolezwe
36. Zingisa Mkhuma, Pretoria News