World Press Freedom Day (3 May) gives us the opportunity to assess the freedom of our press in South Africa.

As anyone who regularly reads our newspapers will be aware, the press is often extremely critical of government and does not hesitate to pour scorn on national leaders - often in the most derisive terms.

The ANC’s official approach gives full recognition to the need for freedom of expression. It confirms that “the Constitution protects and provides for the freedom of the media, freedom of expression and access to information.” However, there might be some difference of opinion on the role of the media and what freedom of expression actually means.

In particular, the ANC believes that the media has a special role in the implementation of its National Democratic Revolution. According to its 2010 NGC discussion documents, “The ANC holds that in our National Democratic Revolution (NDR), the media should contribute to the transformation of our country. Building social cohesion and promoting values of a caring society are an essential part of the battle of ideas and must underpin and inform the manner in which the media operates. The accountability and fairness of reporting are central to the objective assessment of the gains of the NDR.”

Issued by FW de Klerk Foundation