Proposed Media Appeals Tribunal

The Board of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) is satisfied that Mr Lumko Mtimde, the CEO of the MDDA has consistently emphasised and stated that his views on the proposed Media Appeals Tribunal (MAT) are his own and not those of the MDDA.

Issued by Media Development and Diversity Agency

17 Jun 2011

Mr Mtimde writes and comments in his own capacity as a citizen of South Africa who is guaranteed the right to express his personal views. This is in line with the rights espoused in the South African Constitution and Bill of Rights. At no stage has Mr Mtimde expressed the views of the MDDA Board, Management or staff on the issue of the proposed Media Appeals Tribunal - one would undoubtedly find a wide spectrum of views on the issue if canvassed at the MDDA.

The MDDA upholds the principles of the Bill of Rights that guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of association. We look forward to continued public debates on issues as important as these in deepening and strengthening our democracy and remain committed to supporting projects that enable diversity in all its forms and in fostering a plurality of views, opinions and expression.

The Agency will submit its input and/or proposal (if necessary) at the right time to Parliament when it conducts the inquiry on the desirability of the establishment of this Media Appeals Tribunal, as proposed.

Issued by:
Gugu Msibi,
Chairperson,
MDDA Board

For further information please contact: Gugu Msibi at 082 610 0142 or Hariet Maseko at (011) 643 1100.

www.mdda.org.za