Presidency calls for fairness on Press Freedom Day

The Presidency calls for fairness, objectivity and open-mindedness in the coverage of government and especially of the President of the Republic.

We have noted with great concern, how the coverage of the President in particular, has become trapped in two story lines.

When the President considers all aspects of matters placed before him to take an informed decision,  the media accuses him of being indecisive. When he acts, he is accused of taking decisions vindictively, informed by the ANC elective conference that is scheduled to take place in Mangaung, Bloemfontein next year.  This stereotyping and pigeonholing does not constitute fairness and objectivity that is expected of the media and misinforms the public.

The President takes decisions independently, informed by objective facts that are placed before him. The pigeonholing of the President that has become prevalent misleads the public and also kills critical thinking in the media and public space.  The media's responsibility is to inform the public first and foremost on what the decision is all about and all aspects of it. They are then free to comment on it, but must not give an impression that their opinions are facts.   Opinions need to be marked clearly as such so that the public can make own judgements based on the information provided. 

On this national Press Freedom Day, we humbly urge the media and analysts to exercise their minds openly and widely, and analyse each action or decision on its own merits, and avoid pigeonholing and stereotyping.

In this way the South African public will be better informed about the actions, decisions and policies of government.

We wish all journalists a happy National Press Freedom Day today, 19 October 2011, and look forward to ongoing cordial and constructive working relations.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, October 19 2011

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