The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) has called on the South African government to ensure an environment that better protects media freedom and the independence of journalists.
This demand was made in the face of proposed legislation that threatens a free press.
The call was made at a meeting in Durban, South Africa onJune 7, 2017 ahead of the 69th World News Media Congress.
The board of WAN-IFRA drew attention to the Cybercrime Bill as an “assault on the right to digital privacy” and a threat to the protection of journalists’ sources.
It also supported on-going efforts to challenge the 2002 Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act.
The denounced the draft Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, which would criminalise “bringing contempt and ridicule” onto figures of authority, as well as the Film & Publication Board Amendment Bill, which broadens state power to censor content.
It noted too that the controversial Secrecy Bill could still be signed into law after Parliament recommended President Jacob Zuma give it his final approval, despite vigorous opposition from media and civil society groups.
In order to address the shrinking space for independent journalism, WAN-IFRA urged the South African authorities to adopt a more open, inclusive approach to dialogue and to work with media, legal and civil society organisations to craft legislation that seeks to enable, rather than restrict, a more positive environment for freedom of expression.
