Media statement following a meeting between government and South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) leadership
16 Oct 2010
Government and the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) have agreed that improved relations between government and the media are critical to the achievement of South Africa envisaged in the country's Constitution.
Government and SANEF met at Magaliesburg in the North West this weekend to reflect on the role of government and media within the context of the country's development. Chaired by the Deputy President, The Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe, the meeting agreed that the respective roles of the State and media enjoyed affirmation and protection in the Constitution, and that the Constitution should be the focal point governing relations between the two institutions.
Government and SANEF affirmed one another's role, recognising that a vibrant, diverse and critical media sector was as important to the country's constitutional democracy as a government elected with a clear mandate.
SANEF expressed concerns about developments it views as threatening media freedom in the country and as shifting government towards secrecy, and pointed to what it sees as shortcomings in the communications practice and culture within government.