When President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending all foreign aid to South Africa, in January this year, we immediately set about finding solutions. Among the most pressing was to ensure that our life saving HIV and AIDS programme continued to function.
Most people begin their day by scrolling through their phones to catch up on news, or current affairs, or by listening to radio or tuning into TV. Being accurately informed on current affairs and updated on the world around us relies on the prerequisite of a free and independent media.
Media Freedom is one of the many rights upheld by the South African constitution. Our constitution declares: “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the press and other media”.
When President Cyril Ramaphosa took the oath of office on Saturday 25 May 2019, he committed to address a number of challenges that the people of this country continue to face. He was upfront about his plan to put economic growth and job creation as the apex priority of his administration.
By William Baloyi
The instantaneous nature of social media makes it possible for people to have access to an abundance of information at their fingertips, however the information available online is not always reliable.
Inaccurate information has the potential to create unnecessary panic, threaten public safety and erode trust in our institutions. It also hampers people’s ability to make informed decisions.
