Joint Statement by Government and Media Organisations on the Film and Publications Amendment Bill 2006

31 August 2006

Today, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba and representatives from the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF), Print Media South Africa (PMSA), Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), Publishers Association of South Africa (PASA) and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) met to discuss concerns around the Films and Publications Amendment Bill 2006.

The meeting was cordial and discussions were frank and comprehensive. Both parties agreed on the need to protect children from pornography and sexual exploitation.

In addition, both parties welcomed the Cabinet decision and the specific assurance that freedom of expression will be respected and retained, and that “government has no intention whatsoever to muzzle the media in anyway and that this position will not change”

The media welcomed the assurance that public participation and inputs will be assured through the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee process in Parliament when the bill is finally tabled.

The media committed themselves to participate in such a process.  The delegations agreed to meet again once government has studied the presentations made.

Enquiries:

Thabo Leshilo
Deputy Chairperson of SANEF
082 466 8140

Themba Maseko
Government Spokesperson
083 645 0810

Issued by: GCIS and SANEF

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