The DUT Department of Journalism together with the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) hosted a Media Freedom Day seminar on Friday October 19, 2012, to commemorate media freedom in South Africa.

October 19 marks the 35th anniversary of the day widely known as Black Wednesday, the day when the apartheid government jailed journalists, banned activists as well as three newspapers.

Judy Sandison; SABC News Editor said journalists need to be heard and everyone must make sure that history (media muzzling under apartheid rule) does not repeat itself.

Sandison encouraged Journalism students to fight for what they believe in. Sharing her story about how as a young female journalist she fought for her rightful place in a male dominated newsroom in a time of extreme sexism and racism, Sandison said, “I was told that there will never be a woman editor and that made me more determined”, she said.

Peter McKenzie, the guest speaker at the event shared his experience of working as a photographer in the newsroom.

McKenzie; the SADC Region Chief Photographer for the Pan African Press Agency (Panapress) who presently lives and works between Marseilles and Durban is a well travelled photographer who has been all over the world but has come back home to empower and teach the youth about photography and the power of the lens.

“Photography was seen as a service department of the newsroom. It was undermined but since the rise of photojournalism, photography, art journalism and documentary photography, the power of photography has changed”, he said.
With the experience he has gained over the years, McKenzie has formed part of the Durban Centre for Photography, a centre where they teach history of African Photography and visual literacy, to name but a few. The centre also offers regular workshops, lectures, dark room services and commercial displays.
Both McKenzie and Sandison emphasised the importance of standing up for something one believes in, also emphasising the fact that Media Freedom comes with huge responsibilities.

– Nomvula Sikakane

Caption: DUT Journalism Programme Head Dr Rene Smith, SABC News Editor Judy Sandison and Photographer Peter McKenzie.