Mtimde writes and comments in his own capacity as a citizen of South Africa, who is guaranteed the right to express his personal views, is in line with the rights espoused in the South African Constitution and Bill of Rights. At no stage has Mtimde expressed the views of the MDDA board, management or staff on the issue of the proposed Media Appeals Tribunal, which would undoubtedly find a wide spectrum of views on the issue, if canvassed at the agency.
The MDDA upholds the principles of the Bill of Rights that guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of association. It looks forward to continued public debates on issues as important as these in deepening and strengthening democracy and remains 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.
