MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday 9 April 2010

MEDIA FRATERNITY TO ENGAGE PRESIDENT ZUMA

The media fraternity has resolved to urgently engage President Jacob Zuma on the continued application of the principles of media freedom that are entrenched in our constitution.

Editors, journalists and media organisations came out in their numbers in Sandton today to discuss the way forward following ANC Youth League President Julius Malema’s verbal attack on a journalist yesterday, as well as his continued tirade against the media.

The National Press Club convened the urgent media summit. Various media bodies were represented, including the Foreign Correspondents Association, The Professional Journalists Association and the Southern African Freelancers Association. Individual members of the South African National Editors’ Forum also participated in the discussions.

“Discussions and debate were open and robust. The media fraternity is united on this issue,” said Yusuf Abramjee, chairman of the National Press Club.

It was resolved that the media would urgently engage President Jacob Zuma in his capacity as President of the ANC, the mother-body of the ANCYL.

“We will immediately write a letter to President Zuma, where we will express our concerns and appeal for the protection of the media. We will also raise media literacy issues. There will also be a request for a meeting,” Abramjee said.

The National Press Club noted the statement released by the ANC today that condemns Malema’s actions.

The club is of the opinion that Malema’s behaviour is contradictory to the undertaking by Zuma at the club’s Newsmaker of the Year Banquet recently, that journalists should not be victimised under any circumstances.

The summit also resolved that it would not boycott the flow of news from the ANCYL, or any other organisation, as this would amount to irresponsible behaviour by the journalistic fraternity.

However, the summit agreed that journalists could walk out of media briefings if they feel that their journalistic ethics are being undermined.

A steering committee was elected during the summit, representing various media bodies and organisations.

“As the Professional Journalists Association we feel that today’s meeting was constructive and productive. We look forward to resolving this issue constructively moving forward,” said General Secretary of Pro-Journ, Samantha Perry.

Abramjee concluded: “The meeting was very useful and we need to resolve this matter as one of urgency. The media being treated with contempt must cease immediately, as well as the name calling. We will continue to address issues that infringe on media freedom.”

Released by National Press Club Secretariat Tel: 012 804 5199
Enquiries: Yusuf Abramjee, National Press Club Chairman, 082 441 4203.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON SAPA WIRES
STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT JG ZUMA ON POLITICAL CONDUCT AND SOCIAL COHESION

10 April 2010

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

At the meeting of the ANC’s National Executive Committee last month, we spoke out strongly about the need for discipline among the members of the organisation and more generally for all to respect the rules of political engagement.
As the organisation’s leadership we were drawing the line, and that there would be consequences for anyone who crossed that line.

Matters relating to the conduct and statements of the ANC Youth League which are totally alien to the culture of the ANC have made it necessary for us to emphasise a few fundamental principles today.

This is an appropriate moment to do so, particularly since it is the anniversary of the brutal assassination of one of the outstanding heroes of our struggle, Comrade Chris Hani.

On this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to uphold the values and traditions to which he and scores of the countrys national heroes dedicated their lives.

We commit ourselves to continue working tirelessly to build a non-racial, non-sexist, united and democratic South Africa, founded on the positive values that are enshrined in the Constitution.

We urge all South Africans to work with us in achieving these goals.

But ANC cadres must lead in this process.

We also wish to underscore the following important points:

FREEDOM OF THE MEDIA

The country’s Constitution enshrines the principle of freedom of the media.

An independent and free media is one of the cornerstones of democracy.

It is an important barometer of the extent to which the people are freely able to express themselves.

While in a democracy there will inevitably be times of contestation between the media and other sections of society, the fundamental principles should be adhered to at all times.

We must accord journalists the freedom to do their work unhindered.

We should engage them professionally and with dignity.

Should there be a need to take issue with anything that is being reported, it should be done in a manner that promotes frank and open engagement.

The manner in which a BBC journalist was treated at an ANC Youth League press conference is regrettable and unacceptable, regardless of any alleged provocation on his part.

RESPECT FOR THE LAW

We place a high premium on order, stability and the rule of law in the country.

That is why the ruling party took the step this week of calling for restraint from all its structures and members.

Anyone who then goes against that statement is undermining the leadership authority of the ANC, and that cannot be accepted.

When the ANC has made such a statement, it is totally out of order for us to continue as if such a statement was not made.

Certainly there must be consequences for such behaviour.

We have done this because of the need to respect a high court ruling relating to a particular liberation song.

We also recognise that this song, in the current environment, could be misunderstood by those not familiar with the context and content of our struggle.

In making this call, we do not intend in any way to diminish the proud history of struggle against apartheid.

We do recognise that we have a responsibility to act in a way that reduces the potential for tension, and encourages unity.

Our Constitution enshrines the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

We must recognise the role of the judiciary as the final arbiter in disputes in society.

The dignity and decorum of the institution must always be protected and defended.

There are procedures that one should follow to challenge court decisions.

Defiance of these procedures should not be tolerated.

It would make mockery of our judicial system.

It should be noted that to appeal a court decision is not to defy it.

ZIMBABWE

South Africa is a respected member of the international community.

The country has certain responsibilities and obligations in the regional and broader international spheres.

One of these is to facilitate the implementation of the Global Peace Agreement in Zimbabwe.

We undertake this task with the necessary seriousness and sensitivity, and have to ensure impartiality at all times.

We will continue to facilitate the resolution of the impasse in Zimbabwe and to treat all parties with respect.

We cannot and will not side with any one of the parties to the exclusion of others.

We received a report from the last round of talks held last week.

We will work with the parties again to take the process forward.

2010 WORLD CUP

The 21st of April will mark the 50 days until the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Initial research indicates that South Africa is likely to receive
450 000 international fans between June 11 and
July 11.

South Africa remains ready to receive visitors from all walks of life and from all parts of the globe.

We are now putting final touches to our plans on security, logistics, hospitality, transport and others.

We urge international soccer fans to continue buying tickets and to prepare themselves to enjoy South African hospitality and experience the first African World Cup ever.

SOCIAL COHESION AND UNITY

Recent events have raised concerns in some quarters about social cohesion.

Some people have spoken of heightened racial tension.

We should not be dismissive of such concerns, and should be prepared to engage in dialogue to address them.

But we must acknowledge that South Africans remain united in their support for the Constitution, the values it enshrines, and the democratic institutions it has established.

South Africans are clearly committed to work together to address the legacy of our divided past.

Our history tells us that there is no challenge we cannot overcome.

Among other things this requires responsible leadership.

The ANC Youth League is not an independent body.

It exists within the umbrella policy and discipline of the ANC.

The organisation will deal with these matters internally as it deems fit.

We reiterate that leaders should think before they speak, as their utterances have wider implications for the country.

I thank you.

Issued by:
African National Congress
54 Sauer Street
Johannesburg
2001

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NATIONAL PRESS CLUB WELCOMES PRESIDENT ZUMA’S STATEMENT ON MALEMA

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SATURDAY 10 APRIL 2010

The National Press Club has welcomed President Jacob Zuma’s comments about freedom of the media, his condemnation of ANCYL President, Julius Malema’s treatment of a BBC journalist and a statement that the press should be engaged “professionally and with dignity.”

“We are delighted that President Zuma again reaffirmed that we should be allowed to do our work unhindered,” chairperson of the National Press Club, Yusuf Abramjee, said in a statement.

Yesterday, the Press Club convened an urgent summit of media body representatives, editors and political correspondents to discuss Malema’s on-going attacks on journalists.

The meeting resolved that a media delegation “engage” with President Zuma as the leader of the ANC and the ANCYL’s mother body, as a matter of urgency. “The name-calling and abuse of the media by Malema must stop and we want Zuma to protect media freedom,” an earlier statement said.

Abramjee addressed a letter to President Zuma earlier today calling for a meeting. He said the Presidency has indicated to him that a date will be finalized on Zuma’s return from the USA next week.

“Today, Zuma hit out at the ANCYL in one of his strongest statements yet and we welcome it.

“Those who are out of line should be brought to order and be disciplined,” said Abramjee “and Malema has been given free reign for far too long.”

The President said the country’s Constitution enshrines the principle of freedom of the media. “An independent and free media is one of the cornerstones of democracy. It is an important barometer of the extent to which the people are freely able to express themselves.”

Zuma added: “While in a democracy there will inevitably be times of contestation between the media and other sections of society, the fundamental principles should be adhered to at all times. We must accord journalists the freedom to do their work unhindered.

“We should engage them professionally and with dignity. Should there be a need to take issue with anything that is being reported, it should be done in a manner that promotes frank and open engagement, ” Zuma added.

Abramjee said Zuma’s comments were heartening. “We are delighted that our head of state has addressed this issue in a strong and balanced way. We are also told that action will be taken by the ANC if anyone breaks the rules. Let’s hope these words are now put into action.”

He said a delegation of media representatives were looking forward in engaging Zuma on media issues.

“Zuma’s attitude towards the media is welcomed. His on-going engagement with the media is commendable. We call on other leaders within the ruling party to heed Zuma’s words and follow his example.”

Abramjee added: “Yes, there is going to tension between government, political parties and the media from time to time. But, let’s do it with respect and dignity and stop the name-calling, the intimidation and general abuse of the media by people like Malema and his spokespeople.”

Enquiries:
Yusuf Abramjee, cell 082 4414 203