At the invitation of the Minister in the Presidency, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs held a follow-up meeting with the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) and Print Media South Africa (PMSA) as part of continuous engagements on the Film and Publications amendment bill.
Both parties agreed that children should be protected from pornography, violence and harmful material. The ministers noted the reservations raised by the media regarding perceptions that the bill, in its current form, has the potential to affect the media's ability to produce news.
The media noted government's concern regarding the exposure of children to pornography.
The parties agreed that there is a need for further and detailed discussions and consultation on these clauses that could have the unintended consequence of muzzling the media.
SANEF and PMSA have already tabled their submissions on the bill to the portfolio committee on home affairs and look forward to engaging parliament during hearings next week. The outcome of today's meeting will feed into this process.
Enquiries
Trevor Ncube
Chairperson
Print Media South Africa
Cell:082 370 9118
Ferial Haffajee
Chairperson
South African Editors Forum
Cell:082 924 3643
Themba Maseko - Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 645 0810
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
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