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DUT Journalism Hosts Roundtable In Commemoration of World Press Freedom Day

DUT Journalism Hosts Roundtable In Commemoration of World Press Freedom Day

The Protection of State Information Bill dubbed the “Secrecy Bill” took centre stage at the World Press Freedom Day Roundtable recently held at the DUT City Campus.

Hosted by the University’s Journalism Programme in partnership with the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), the event, which takes place annually (May 3) in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, was attended by high profile guests including Eric Kholwane, Chairman of parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications; Mbali Dhlomo, Genuine Magazine founder and Editor as well as Lumko Mtimde, MDDA CEO.

Defending the ANC, Kholwane said the ruling party is “in no way trying to take away freedom of the press”, emphasising that the ANC will not turn its back on the very freedom it fought for.

“Let me assure you, there is no intention of this government to take away the rights of our people and it will never happen,” he said. Kholwane was responding to tough questions posed by attending journalism students who believe that their right to report in a free, democratic South Africa is under threat.

“Any legislation, any law must be tested against the constitution. If it’s (any legislation) not meeting the requirements of the constitution, it can’t fly. All that we are saying is report responsibly,” said Kholwane.

Mtimde spoke on how rural communities at large are failing to understand the Constitution. He said it is the media’s role to ensure that this particular group is educated about developments that also affect them as citizens.

– Mcebisi Goge

Pictured from left to right: Genuine Magazine founder and Editor, Mbali Dhlomo; Chairman of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications, Eric Kholwane and MDDA CEO, Lumko Mtimde.

Picture: by Mcebisi Goge

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