By BAKANG MOKOTO
6 May 2025- The government said it has joined the international community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2025), a day that reaffirms the importance of a free and independent media in strengthening democracy. The government said the World Press Freedom Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom around the world, defend the media from attacks on its independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives or faced threats in the line of duty.
The government acting spokesperson, Terry Vandayar said South Africa remains committed to upholding media freedom as guaranteed in Section 16 of the Constitution. Vandayar said their democracy has been enriched by a vibrant and diverse media landscape that plays a vital role in promoting transparency, advancing public discourse, and holding those in power to account.
“As the world marks this important day, the government also recognises the challenges faced by journalists globally, including censorship, harassment and violence. Government condemns all forms of intimidation and attacks against the media and calls for greater protection of journalists everywhere.
“On this World Press Freedom Day, the government emphasises that press freedom is not solely a media concern, but a vital democratic principle that serves and benefits all members of society,” he said.
Vandayar further said they should all work together to create an environment, where journalists can work freely and safely, and where ethical, fact-based journalism continues to thrive.
Meanwhile, the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) chairperson, Makhudu Sefara said they have joined their global peers in examining artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact on journalism, media sustainability and press freedom as the industry commemorates World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.
Sefara said UNESCO’s 2025 theme is: “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” He said Sanef concurs with UNESCO that they need to focus on the “profound influence of AI on journalism and media,” given that it serves both as an advantage and a disadvantage to the sector.
“AI is transforming journalism, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking. It allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis.
“However, these tech advancements also have risks: AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, deepfake technology, biased content moderation, and surveillance threats to journalists. Additionally, AI’s role in the media business model raises concerns about fair remuneration for journalistic content and media viability,” said UNESCO.
Sefara said Sanef continually addresses the threats and opportunities posed by technology, social media, and artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of the dwindling resources in newsrooms. He said this year, they will amplify their voice on the global platform by participating in the UNESCO World Press Freedom event in Brussels, represented by Secretary-General Prof Glenda Daniels, who will address the gendered, cultural, racial, language and class bias that’s inherent in the present Ai tools which generate content, as well as speak to the Social Media for Peace Campaign that will become a global effort.
“Sanef also wishes to emphasise the importance of journalist safety in light of disinformation and cyberbullying, which not only undermine public trust but also threaten the well-being of news staff; thus, Sanef conducts safety and wellness workshops to ensure the protection of journalists.
“This year marks 32 years since the UN General Assembly proclaimed World Press Freedom Day. In South Africa, the significance of this day is more pronounced as it comes five days after the national Freedom Day that is celebrated on 27 April, marking the day the country ushered in a democratic dispensation,” he said.
Sefara added that one of the best things about South Africa is that media freedom is not just something that is the lifeblood of democracy, but also it is one of the constitutional rights and pillars that underpin the democratic order. He said in this regard, because of history, press freedom is a right that they all fought for and which they all hold dear as one of the foundations and the bedrock of democracy.
“This is one thing that as a country we can be proud of, despite all our challenges. Over the past 31 years since the dawn of democracy, there is a consensus across the whole political spectrum that for democracy to thrive, journalists have a big role to play in disseminating information so that we can have an informed citizenry.
“Although there could have been some incidents over the past 31 years that might have caused jitters and tested our commitment to press freedom,” said Sefara.
He said, however, by and large, they can say that they are better off than many countries, and as they have seen recently, even the so-called old democracies. Sefara said, however, this means that they should always be vigilant and defend this much-cherished freedom of the media because it’s the oxygen that makes democracy thrive.
The Guardian 