Keynote speaker at Sikuvile Awards reiterates need for media freedom

“As citizens it is our duty to make a substantial contribution that goes beyond paying taxes. Business needs to work together with labour and government to build institutions and social partners, have an open dialogue and work together when the national interest demands it.

“While there is not a single recipe for a successful accountable government, the one ingredient that is a necessary is a free press. It fosters debate and analysis before decisions are taken, makes citizens part of the decision making process and scrutinises decisions and compels leaders to response on these decisions, whether right or wrong. A free press also has a direct bearing on the economy. It tackles corruption.”

The past period has provided ample evidence of the strength of the South African press. “The period gone by has been huge in South African politics and the men and women of the press have been instrumental in keeping us up to date on what has been the most important event in this country since the 1994 elections.”

Paula Fray, convening judge for the Awards, expressed her concern at the event, on what was currently taking place in the industry. “It is hard to celebrate without acknowledging that many of our colleagues have been served with notice letters.”

She adds that the environment that journalists have to function is not only uncertain, it has also become increasingly dangerous. “Our external plight is mirrored by our internal plight. Dozens of journalists were attacked recently in Tshwane. The work of photographers in these conditions is more dangerous than ever. It is in times such as these that we need to find that courage and commitment to continue to seek out the truth and to be fair, independent and accountable.”

“The industry was grateful to Standard Bank for its sponsorship of the Awards over the past five years,” says Ishmet Davidson, Media 24 GM distribution and board member of the Publishers Support Services (PSS), which hosts the Awards. “It is only through this sponsorship that we are able to honour the people who work and contribute every day to one of the cornerstones of democracy, the media. This industry is an important element in our country and we cannot afford to not have the diverse and strong media we currently have.”