Media, Radio, Television, Internet

As the world goes digital, and an interconnected global society emerges, the need for bridging the digital divide in South Africa has become more pressing.

Media diversity in any country is regarded as a measure of the depth of its democracy. It is therefore important that every citizen should have access to a range of media. A pluralistic and free media sector has always been needed to ensure that all voices in society are heard. The strengthening of the media sector arguably has a twin function-with media serving society as an agent of development and acting as an agent for economic growth by stimulating the growth of consumer markets.

In a world filled with information overload the significance of our own stories should not be overlooked, especially those that contribute positively towards achieving regional integration and co-operation between the people of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

When it comes to digital migration programme or the digital terrestrial television project, it is a universal norm that government has the final right to make policy, even if government does not directly implement all sections of the programme.  

In today's digital age, technology has transformed the way we communicate with each other. Gone are the days of the traditional communication flow of a sender and receiver – everyone has the potential to be a sender.

Freedom of expression and media freedom is an integral part of our democracy. The Constitution entrenches the right to freedom of expression, including media freedom. Since 1994 we have been resolute in the belief that an independent and free media are vital partners in strengthening any democracy.

Those who were fortunate enough to live through our democratic change in the months leading up to April 1994, literally saw history unfolding before their very eyes.

The birth of our democracy brought many changes and ushered in an era of free and independent media.

Radio Freedom was the voice of millions of subjugated South Africans and tuning in brought the latest world news, updates on the liberation struggle, music and songs banned in South Africa and a place for political education.

During the darkest days of apartheid, Radio Freedom, the voice of the oldest liberation movement, the African National Congress, was the revolutionary tool that inspired many South Africans to actively join the fight for the liberation of South Africa.