State seeks to build closer ties with media

In 1977 The World and Weekend World were banned and journalists at the time gathered all around the country to protest this draconian action. It is commemorated each year on 19 October as Black Wednesday. Image: CPJ

"We are establishing a Presidential Communication and Media Working Group to provide a platform for sharing ideas between government and different sectors of the media on any issue.

"There is a lot we can discuss, from media diversity and transformation to how the media can contribute to the attainment of the 5% growth target by 2019," said the President.

Zuma hosted media executives and owners, editors, political and economic journalists from South Africa and abroad at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse for the commemoration of Black Wednesday when, on 19 October 1977 the apartheid regime clamped banned the World and Weekend World newspapers

Zuma congratulated and thanked all members of the media who have contributed to the consolidation of democracy and the building of a new united, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa over the past 20 years.

"Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of freedom, particularly freedom of expression, in this country," he said.

Zuma said government looked forward to engaging with with the media as it continues with its reconstruction and development tasks.

"After 20 Years of Freedom, let us re-dedicate ourselves to working together to promote the right of the public to information." he said.