Government has paid tribute to the journalists, editors, publishers and media workers who stood firmly against apartheid as South Africa commemorates Black Wednesday, also known as National Press Freedom Day.
On this day, 19 October 1977, the apartheid regime banned publications, including The World and Weekend World, and detained journalists, including The World editor Percy Qoboza, in an attempt to silence independent voices exposing the injustices and brutality of apartheid.
Protecting freedom of all South Africans
“Their courage and unwavering commitment to truth contributed to the struggle for freedom, justice and democracy. Their legacy underscores the vital role of media freedom in an open and accountable society, a principle enshrined in the Constitution,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement on Monday.
Government said the commemoration of Black Wednesday reaffirms the importance of protecting the hard-won freedoms of all South Africans.
“Protecting press freedom requires respect for constitutional rights and a collective commitment to an informed citizenry. This includes ensuring that journalists can carry out their work without intimidation, threats, harassment or violence,” the GCIS said.
Strengthening engagement
As such, government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening engagement with the media fraternity and promoting transparent, accessible and accountable communication with the public.
“As the country enters an electioneering period, a free and independent media is vital to the democratic process. Citizens must have access to accurate, timely and accessible information to make informed choices about the country’s future.
“Government also acknowledges the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation and the rapid spread of unverified claims on social media, and encourages citizens to seek information from credible media houses,” the GCIS said.