Muzzling the media again
SO DEMONISED is the Fourth Estate that politicians are now proposing serious censoring in the form of a media tribunal and the Protection of Information Bill.
They claim that the media in this country are out of control and need a serious crackdown.
How quickly we forget the lessons learnt from history. The reason apartheid survived for so long is because the state silenced the opposition and made sure the heroic stories of our liberators were not known.
But some tenacious sectors of our media persevered and made sure the public was informed.
Loud voices in the media made sure the whole world eventually saw past the propaganda of the Nats and saw their policies for what they were - evil, oppressive and unjust.
How sad that the same people who benefitted from robust media are now calling for the same immoral control.
The politicians are right to condemn "the brown envelope" trend where some journalists are paid to write stories with a particular slant.
But let's be sober here. It is the media that reported this and exposed the journalists involved and it is quite unfair to make the preposterous claim that the actions of two corrupt journalists are indicative of the general behaviour of the media.
Politicians are now using this as an example of rampant corruption in the media, yet they forget to condemn the politician involved. Instead he was rewarded with a plum job as South Africa's ambassador to the US.
Should there be a tribunal to make sure that a politician found to have "bought" a journalist should never again "serve" the public?
It is mind-boggling that the self-righteous politicians are so concerned about corrupt journalists yet remain mum about the actions of politicians. Why did they not vigorously oppose the appointment of former Western Cape premier Ebrahim Rasool to the ambassadorship?
They must go the whole gamut and demand that politicians who bribe journalists be kicked out of their sacred movement. But they will not do that because it is not the corruption that worries them, but that the media dares expose it.
There is nothing as disempowering as opening a magazine or a newspaper only to find a malicious and incorrect story. I have experienced that myself, but the solution is not to throw a blanket of secrecy over information that the public has a right to know.
It is naïve to think the tribunal and Draconian laws will put an end to this distortion.
While distortions, defamatory reports and lies are unacceptable and are an embarrassment to the profession, these issues are not unique to the media.
Every single industry has rotten apples but to correct that, you don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
In our criticism of the media it is important to note that were it not for its profession, former president Thabo Mbeki's arrogant request for us to "trust" him on Jackie Selebi, would have been the end of that story and the public would not have known about the rotten link between the top cop and the murky world of crime.
Were it not for the media, tenderpreneurs at Luthuli House would not have been exposed. Add to that Travelgate, Oilgate, the arms deal, misuse of public funds, and so on.
If the public were to be fair in its analysis of the media, it would not only look at the distortions, but consider the cases that politicians, the police and businesses have subsequently responded to as a result of pressure from the media.
Personally, I could write a book about the number of times I have had to use my platform and intervene as a talk-show host to make sure that a citizen of this country, whom I have never even met, gets the help that he or she deserves.
The media are not perfect. Neither are politicians. It is disturbing that the public has been duped into believing these measures are about preventing distortions. That is a lie from the pits of hell. Our leaders will only tell you what they want you to know. That is the long and short of this ridiculous tribunal.
Wake up, South Africa.
Chris
The ANC is planning even more bigger corruption. they need to hide it from their supporters. If this bill is passed into law. we are going striaght down the road of Robert Mugabe. And it will be the poor oppressed massed who will suffer the most.I dont understand way they still voted for the ANC. Its out to screw them to the max. The Elite and Middel class will always be fine, but the poor masses, who are the ones that keep this ANC monster in charge are the ones who will pay the blood offerings of them selfs and their childrens future.
IT MUST BE STOPED.
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tank
Direko this has nothing to do with limiting our right to information, but has everything to do with media accountability. By the way you are also in trouble when this bill is passed, remember that documentary you did about former President Thabo Mbeki; you claim he was responsible for Chris Hani's death. White people were so happy they sent you that 4-5 guy to draw your face (talk about rewarding someone for job well done) and also it got u a job at e-TV. Ja, staff like that will bring journalist to account.Report Abuse
DkG
You see ANC wants to be in power forever and they will do anything and everything to ensure they stay in power. What the hell is these REALLY aiming to achieve? its very clear that these ppl they want to continue to loot the country and get richer and fatter at the expense of the very ppl who put them in power and the industry that played a major role in fighting apartheid regime. I am sorry but dictatorship is not acceptable in a democratic system. Look at Swaziland, journalist are threatned with death if they dare say bad things abt the high and mighty king mswati, i mean really now, is that how we want our country to be? yoh hai these bill must never see the day of light...Report Abuse
mangolia
Had it not been for the media I wouldn't have known about the corruption that is taking place in government. I say to hell with the bill. I deserve to know what the government is doing whether good or bad. The ANC is afraid that the masses have lost hope in them and they are now trying to get our support back by censoring the media so that only the good stuff gets to the public's eye. No doubt we are being ruled by Mafias. Be afraid South Africans, be very afraid. Don't just support something that you are not sure of. Even an uneducated person can see through their eyes what they are planning to do. You don't need a masters degree to understand politics and governance.Report Abuse
Vukarhi
Redi, I’m not sure if you regard yourself as intelligent. If so, then you’re one of those journalists who are intellectual cowardice. For example, you need to stay close to your employer’s rear end at all times. Since are virtually unemployable outside your current comfort zones, would be much too risky. But what is journalism without risk? Why would anyone get up in the morning and want to stay close to the boss’s backside? What sort of personal integrity do these people have? Have they no shame? Clearly not, And it shows in your writing.Report Abuse
xprince6
Vukarhi i differ vey much from you and believe that you are one of those ignorant and corrupt supporters of the ruling party ,if you could use your brain and logic proper you would have noticed that Redi is emphasizing a valid point that is neutral and for everyone to debate but you are losing the whole point and being personal,and i assume that even young as i am and still a student .my intellectuality is very better compared to yours .Report Abuse
MG123
VukarhiAnd your point is?
Redi what is new here? this is just a continuation of what the ANC has started, 1st they took out our crime bursting scorpions and then they passed this Rica law.All of this is just to make sure that they hide their corrupt activities and continue looting unabated.
Africans need to overcome apathy first if they want to enjoy democracy till then, they will always get what they voted for
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gcs
Vukarhi, you mean that you are so desperate to defend the politicians that you are willing to give up the cornerstone of democracy: transparency?Report Abuse
Crow
The personal attacks and innuendos will follow, as always. They have no answers to the article.Do not wait until it is too late to appreciate what you have lost.
When your community suffers and you have nowhere to turn, you will long for the days when the media could make public the problems and allow others to share in your suffering and sympathize with your community. When you are turned away at a police station trying to report a rape case, you will recall the time when you or someone close to you could rely on the media to spread the unfortunate news, and gave you some hope. Now, under the new laws, you will be left all on your own, alone and destitute. When your child is knocked over by a drunk driver who is politically well placed and the evidence is destroyed and lost, you will yearn for the days when you could phone a journalist.
If you supported the new law you will question and blame yourself. You will feel betrayed.
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