Share

Safrea approaches SAHRC over journalists' licences

Johannesburg - The SA Freelancers' Association (Safrea) will approach the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) regarding a proposal to "license" journalists, the organisation said on Wednesday.

Safrea chairperson Clive Lotter said the statements made by SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng in this regard were "an assault on South African democracy".

The Safrea would immediately lay a complaint with the SAHRC should such a proposal ever become law.

Lotter said such a policy would limit the public's access to information and right to free expression.

"The right to freedom of expression includes freedom of the press and other media. That right is enshrined in the South African Bill of Rights in Chapter Two of the SA Constitution," he said.

Motsoeneng said recently he would make a formal submission to Communications Minister Faith Muthambi that journalists have "a licence to practice".

He said there must be consequences for journalists "who mess up".

Lotter said licensing would erode journalists' right to report the news without fear or favour, particularly in view of Motsoeneng's stated preference for "good news" stories at the SABC.

Lotter said existing media outlets were well positioned to determine whether journalists working for them were acting professionally.

Lotter added that licensing would create a small elite of journalists who alone would be deemed worthy of reporting on South African society.

"In reality, we each have the right to write, report and express opinion on our political and social situation. We encourage Mr Motsoeneng and government to abandon this idea as it is fundamentally unworkable and at odds with the spirit of democratic South Africa," said Lotter.

 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 482 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 692 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.91
+0.1%
Rand - Pound
23.87
+0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.38
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.31
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+0.1%
Platinum
908.05
+1.2%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE