Minister of Communications Budget speech & responses by ANC, DA and IFP

Briefing

20 May 2015

Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi, gave her Budget Vote Speech on 20 May 2015.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Honourable Chairperson,
Honourable members,
Chairperson of ICASA and other Councillors,
Chairpersons and Board members of the SABC, Brand SA, MDDA, FPB,
Members of the media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I stand here today to address this House on the eve of Africa Day. As an integral part of the African continent, South Africa will celebrate Africa Day, 25 May, by means of a month-long celebration.

Let us use this Month to actively encourage greater Social Cohesion and Nation Building, while also fostering African unity. South Africa is as an integral part of the African Continent. Together we can build a better South Africa and better Africa.

Honourable Chairperson,

Today, we are honoured to present the DoC’s Budget Vote no. 03 to this august House under the theme “New Department: New Possibilities”.

The process to establish the Department of Communications has been completed. Our mission is to “Create an enabling environment for the provision of inclusive communication services to all South Africans in a manner that promotes socioeconomic development and investment through broadcasting, new media, print media and other new technologies, and brand the country locally and internationally”. It is a task we take seriously!

Our vision as guided by the National Development Plan, envisages an active citizenry that participates in the socioeconomic life of the country. It states that in “2030, South Africans will be more conscious of the things they have in common than of their differences, and that their lived experiences will progressively undermine and cut across the divisions of race, gender, disability, space and class”. It is our firm belief that this is achievable when government is at the centre of providing effective and efficient communication to support these aspirations.

According to the Statistics South Africa General Household Survey 2013, South Africa has 12 million TV-owning households of which 62% rely solely on free-to-air broadcasting services, with the remaining 38% relying on pay services. In the recent past we have seen the introduction of new players in the broadcasting industry to compete with incumbent pay operator. We are also seeing the introduction of over-the-top television in South Africa.

With regard to the print media, little have changed since 1994. In 1994, Times Media, Naspers, Caxton and Argus were the big four media houses. Twenty one years later the picture looks very much same with 95% of the market share still in the hands of the big four, which must be a cause for concern for all of us. The question we should ask ourselves is the one that says, “what is it that we must do to ensure that this status does not remain the same for years to come”?

We do acknowledge that there is a significant number of community media players, thanks to the Media Development and Diversity Agency of South Africa.

Chairperson,

The broadcasting digital migration programme remain a flagship of the Department. Utilising our collective efforts and wisdom, we will do all we can to ensure that the migration process commence during the second quarter of this financial year. We therefore make a call to all stakeholders to work together with us to realise this objective. We are mindful of the fact that the country will not meet the 17 June 2015 analogue switch off date as set by the International Telecommunications Union. We are ready to consult with Cabinet on the digital signal switch-on date.

We are happy to inform the House that in March 2015, Cabinet approved the final amendments to the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy, which unlocks the project to enable implementation. Cabinet further approved that government to provide free set-top-boxes to the five million poor TV-owning households. This shift is a reflection of government’s commitment to ensure that digital migration happens within the shortest time possible.

The Department will be launching a focused Public Awareness Campaign in the next four (4) weeks. R22 million has been identified to enable the implementation of the broadcasting digital migration awareness campaign. Key messages have been developed. We will work with our local traditional leaders in implementing the digital migration awareness campaign. In this regard, I am joined by Kgosi Jeffrey Montshioa from Barolong boorra Tshidi in the North West Province and Chief Davhana Davhana of Hamangilasi.

We are hard at work to conclude and sign Bilateral Engagements with our six neighbouring countries namely, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland in order to minimise cross border radio frequency spectrum interference.

As we speak here, the technical team is already in Botswana for these engagements and we will join them tomorrow to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SA and Botswana in this respect. On the 27th May 2015 and 03rd June 2015, we will be in Lesotho and Swaziland concluding the same.

We do these because we have prioritised South African communities alongside the borderline areas for the distribution of set-top-boxes in order to mitigate any potential frequency spectrum interferences.

We anticipate to expedite the rollout of Set-Top-Boxes to be completed in the coming 18-24 months so that we can switch off analogue signal and begin to realise the benefits of digital dividend to allow for the rollout of Wireless Broadband Services. The progress on this programme so far marks another good story to tell.

Chairperson,

The Department is poised to deliver on its policy mandate. In this regard, we have prioritised the finalisation of the overarching national communications policy during this financial year. The primary objective of the policy is to ensure that communication across the three spheres of Government is well co-ordinated, effectively managed and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public.

During this financial year we will finalise the review of the Broadcasting Policy. We have since received comments from the industry on the areas we are looking at. We will during the third quarter release a discussion document to further solicit inputs from the general public.

As more people, especially children access digital content online, challenges arise. We have prioritised the development and adoption of the Online Content Regulations Policy. Consultations on this Policy are currently underway. The policy aims to create a framework in relation to online content distribution in the country. Once adopted the policy will bring about a comprehensive and fundamental transformation for online content regulation in the country. We call upon all interested parties to work with the Film and Publication Board to ensure that this policy is finalised in order to properly classify digital content and ensure that children are sufficiently protected from exposure to disturbing and harmful content. We anticipate that this policy will serve before Cabinet in the third quarter of this financial year.

During the State of The Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma said: “Our youth is our future and their success fills us with immense pride.” In line with President Zuma’s emphasis on youth, I am hosting two special pupils from Edson Secondary School and Pfunekani Primary School in rural Limpopo, they are Unarine Collen Luthanda and Munene Murudi.

Transformation of the media remain at the apex of our priorities for this current financial year. Work is currently underway to finalise the media transformation policy. As part of finalising this policy we will also investigate the possibility of pooling government media assets with a view to support the creation of a black-owned media house in the country. We anticipate that consultations on the contents of the policy will commence early in the second quarter of the financial year. We further invite all interested parties to participate in this process.

There is a saying that “in the Broadcasting Sector Content is King”. In line with this saying and the need to prepare the broadcasting sector for the Digital Terrestrial Television, we will during this financial finalise the Audio Visual Content Development Strategy. The strategy amongst others proposes the establishment of content generation hubs in rural provinces. We will finalise the strategy during the second quarter of this financial year.

Honourable chairperson,

State-owned companies are the delivery arms of the Department. We commit to ensure that all entities in our stable delivers value to the public as per the founding legislations. For the financial year 2015/16, R1.281 Billion has been allocated to Vote 03 of which, R70. 7 million (6% of the total budget) is to cover operational expenses of the DoC and R1.21 billion (94%) is allocated to state-owned entities and the GCIS to carry out their various mandates.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is a primary department for information about government and the services it provides to the people. The GCIS continues to professionalise the communication system by building a reliable knowledge base and enhancing communication products. This year GCIS will intensify its training of communicators to strengthen strategic government communication in provincial and local government. Executive Mayor, Ms Rosina Magotlane of the Waterberg District Municipality and Councillor Simon Mathebula from Ward 17 in Malamulele in Thulamela Municipality, are with us her today. We will start in your respective municipalities.

The GCIS is entrusted with leading the implementation of the Cabinet’s approved National Communication Strategy, a far reaching initiative to energise and focus communication output in government.  In addition to this, we have assigned GCIS the responsibility of amplifying our communications effort in partnership with the State Owned Entity Communicators Association (SOECA), which we launched in November 2014.

In growing the voice of government, GCIS produces a range of communication platforms and products that carry information on government programmes and projects that contribute to an informed citizenry which is a key requirement of the National Development Plan. These include the Media Landscape Book which monitors media transformation; the weekly electronic newsletter My District Today, which shares information from the coalface of service delivery to government, organised labour, business, civil society formations, faith groups and the media.

GCIS will produce 20.4 million copies of our flagship newspaper, Vuk’uzenzele and ensure that it available in our parts of the country in all official languages. From 1 August 2015, Vuk’uzenzele will carry advertisements of positions in government. We have also launched a mobile application in this regard.

R365.5 million has been allocated to support the work of GCIS. We will continue to support the work of the GCIS to ensure that all citizens are informed about Government programmes and projects.

We will also continue to motivate for additional financial resources to support the important work of communicating government’s record of delivery in service of all our people. This will also include the amount allocated to the GCIS for compensation of employees and goods and services.

The GCIS has made significant strides in implementing development communication through direct, unmediated communication through the Izimbizo Programme of government.  This work is premised on communication research which ensures that government messages reach the majority of South Africans. Solid progress has also been made in maintaining and strengthening a well-functioning cluster communication system that is the backbone in driving government’s information programme, including the fostering of sound stakeholder relationships and partnerships.

We celebrate the fact that the South African Broadcasting Corporation is in a sound financial state and has a cash and cash equivalent balance of R1.02 Billion (not audited) at the end of the 2014/15 financial year. We thank the Board and Management of the Corporation for turning the tide and we hope that it will grow from strength to strength.

I am happy to inform this House that the SABC has issued its 9th Request for Proposals (RFP) Book on local content amounting to R600 million surpassing the previous one, which was over R100 million, making it the biggest RFP book issued by the SABC for local content to date.

We have stabilised the management of the Corporation by filling the positions of the Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Head of News and other Executives. I am happy to inform the house that more than 50% of the Executive Committee members are women, which is the first in the history of the SABC.

The SABC is on the move! On 11 May 2015, we launched an entertainment channel, the “SABC Encore” on the DSTV platform channel 156, making it the 5th television channel under the SABC. From this coming Friday, 22 May 2015, the SABC News Channel will be broadcast to the entire African Continent. This channel is a model of what the SABC will offer to its customers in the new digital environment. We say well done to the SABC!

Government continues to support the SABC to discharge its public broadcasting service mandate. During this financial year R173 million from the department’s budget has been allocated to the Corporation. Of which R49. 6 million has been allocated towards the operation of Channel Africa. Furthermore we will during this financial year develop a funding model for the SABC.

We will continue to work towards strengthening the capacity of our Regulator to deliver on its mandate. ICASA has now streamlined its strategic goals to four from the eight. This is a sign of a regulator which is focused on its mandate. An amount of R393. 6 million has been allocated to ICASA during the financial year 2015/16. This amount will be used amongst others to ensure that local content regulations are finalised and implementation of an efficient radio frequency spectrum management system is concluded.

In order to address the lack of access to the media by rural and historically disadvantaged communities and individuals R22.6 million is allocated to the Media Development and Diversity Agency. The MDDA will during this year prioritise clearing the backlog of projects that are either no longer in existence, or have struggled to account for their support and still require assistance. The MDDA will place emphasis on strengthening existing projects, while funding new projects.

In line with our mandate to brand the country locally and abroad,  R173 million has been allocated to Brand SA. I have had discussions with the Board of Trustees of Brand SA to:-

  • focus its work on improving its domestic presence by implementing more initiatives domestically;
  • develop and implement initiatives aimed at branding the country in the African Continent;
  • develop a structured programme of engagement with the national, provincial and local spheres of government in order to ensure alignment and coherence of various initiatives; and
  • brand the country abroad

During this financial year we will launch an annual Branding Summit for South Africa. The summit will bring together the three spheres of government, private sector and civil society under one roof with a view to agree on a broad programme of action on how to brand the country. We invite the communications industry of which most of them are here today to partner with us in this endeavour.

The FPB performs an important and critical function of regulating the production, possession and distribution of films, games and publications, including the protection of children against harmful online content. In this regard, R82. 4 million has been allocated to the FPB during the 2015/16 financial year. The money will be used amongst others to increase the entity’s visibility through the implementation of cyber safe outreach programme to protect children against harmful content.

Honourable Chairperson,

We also plan to table five (5) Bills, i.e.  the Broadcasting Amendment Bill, Films and Publications Amendment Bill, ICASA Amendment Bill, Media Development and Diversity Amendment Bill and Brand SA Bill, to Parliament.

In conclusion,

I would like to thank the Deputy Minister, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and the Portfolio Committee on Communications for the role they have played in the finalization of the strategic plan and the continued support as we put forth our documents within the Parliamentary processes. 

To my two Acting DGs, I thank you sincerely. You have been a beacon of strength and courage, you demonstrated strategic leadership, not only to the Department but to the sector as a whole.

Lastly I want to thank my family and staff of the Departments for the support.

Chairperson, it is my privilege at this moment to table the Department of Communications Budget Vote to the House.

I thank you

____________________________________________________________________

Department of Communications Budget Vote Speech by the Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

Honourable Chairperson
Honourable Members
The Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi
Ministers and Deputy Ministers here present
Members of the media
Ladies and Gentlemen

Dumelang, Sanibonani, Good afternoon!

 It was 60 years ago, when 50,000 brave volunteers went out into this great land, from township to township, city to city, countryside to countryside:  on a mission. Their mission was guided by a vision for a better tomorrow, a tomorrow where the African man, woman and child, would have equal rights and the ability to determine their own destiny, free from persecution and systemic oppression. Their mission was for the very soul of this nation. These volunteers talked to South Africans from all walks of life, gathering their freedom demands. Demands for equal rights, equal opportunities, equal access to land, to living wages, to fair labour, to education, to healthcare, to human dignity, and to human potential. These demands became the basis of The Freedom Charter.

The Charter’s opening demand went on to become a rallying cry for South Africa’s fight for her freedom and remains a core principle of the ANC led government’s work to this day. That unifying cry is that:  “THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN!”

 Shlalo ohloniphekile, usomqulu wamalungelo uwazisa ukukwazi ukuthol’ ulwazi njengelungelo labantu eliqavile.    

Prior to 1994, we experienced a broadcasting environment which was state controlled. State broadcasting services comprised of SABC, TBVC and private services which included Capital Radio 604 and Radio 702; as well as Radio Freedom on short wave.  Madame Chairperson, through the ANC-led government, today the public broadcaster has 18 radio stations, three television stations a 24-hour news channel and encore channel.

Modula Stulo; allow me to pause for a moment and reflect on a period which I am certain most of us assembled here have gone through. When I turned 21, I remember words of wisdom from my father who said, “lifikile exesha lokuhlola impazamo, imposiso kunye nezinto eziqaqambileyo odlule kuzo ukuzothi ga ngoku. Ntinga unqandwe zinkwenkwezi!

Ladies and Gentlemen, 2015 marks 21 years of democracy under the ANC-led government. We acknowledge that whilst much has been achieved to redress the imbalances of the apartheid system, much more needs to be done.

21 years into our democratic dispensation, the ANC led-government is steadfast on this guiding principle that, “the people of South Africa govern!”

21 Years of Progress

Honourable Chairperson, since our maiden Budget Vote in 2014 we have travelled the length and breadth of this country engaging communities and the media fraternity at large on the state of communications in the Country and matters requiring our attention. Ladies and Gentlemen, the people can only govern if;

§  They have access to information, and provide feedback to government

§  The poor have a voice

§  Independent, diverse and sustainable media is developed to foster long term peace and stability

His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma, expressed a concern with the transformation of the print media industry; noting that ownership in the print media is still dominated by the “Big Four, and only 14 percent of the main stream print media is in black hands of which  women participation in board and senior management is limited to 4 percent.

 

Fellow South Africans, we cannot rest until this situation is turned around.  Robust engagement with media owners, Parliament and the public is necessary to successfully address this monopoly of media.

Honourable Members, through GCIS, we will commence the discussions and debate around transformation within a media environment by finalising its Draft discussion document:  titled “Towards a Policy on Media Transformation and Diversity.”

Chairperson, like many sectors in the communications space, media has to have its own charter.  In this regard, the Department will approach parliament to consider holding an inquiry on how the print media can develop its own Media transformation charter. It is only through this process that we will be able to bring about transformation and change the tide in the print media.

 MEDIA DIVERSITY

Honourable Chairperson, community media remains an integral part of our democracy and transformation on the ground. The ANC-led government remains resolute that community media must be supported, developed and capacitated to deliver on their mandate.

With over 200 licenced community radio stations and five community TV stations, the sector has evolved. In this respect, it is worth celebrating the successes of radio stations such as Radio Zibonele, a community radio station here in Khayelitsha which is doing extremely well in terms of complying with its licence conditions.

In the same breadth we note the sterling work executed by Soweto TV which currently attracts over 3, 1 million viewers and employs over 100 people, of which  80% of are local young people.   Indeed Siyaqhuba!

Noting the challenges around skills development, governance, reliance on media brokers and inadequate human resource we will publish a Community Radio and Television Support Strategy for public consultation in all nine provinces.

SABC and MDDA will support the community radio sector, through the programme production initiative which will be targeting young people. In partnership with Forscene we are going to train unemployed youth, learners and teachers on Online Video Editing Software. Chairperson, we will also be engaging the Campus radio stations across institutions of higher education in the Country. 

In addition, Chairperson, we are going to provide community radio stations with equipment and infrastructure. 

MDDA and the South African Weather Service have joined hands in capacitating community radio stations on weather reporting and analysis. This will commence by the end of June.  

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Mhlali ngaphambili,   Ukupapasha ngexanasi kuligxeke, kukwakhubaza umkhitha wenkululeko yezendaba.   Malungu abekelekileyo, ngokweqweqwe lwenkangeleko, imiceli mingeni kuMzantsi Afrika kukuzam’ ukuqinisa amaqhele ekumanyeni isizwe esathi sazintsalu ngemibono. 

The recent judgments by the Press Ombudsman and the Appeal Panel (led by Judge Ngoepe) against the Sunday Times, Daily Dispatch, City Press and the many apologies published by these newspapers (including Business Day) confirm the deterioration of journalistic standards, continued non-compliance with the Press Code,  and the ineffectiveness of self/co-regulation.

The revelations of a document purported to be a Daily Dispatch News Diary, which if it is proved to be a Daily Dispatch internal document, shows and proves the well reported media agenda against the ANC and instead of it being media they are playing oppositional party politics. Responsible journalism requires of our media to look at itself objectively. As for the government’s responsibilities, regulations and guidelines must always serve the public interest.

Ø  Moving South Africa forward through development communication

In moving South Africa forward, we will require extra efforts in the form of development communication that is deliberately targeted towards enhancing government communication work and transforming the relationship between the citizen and the state. In this respect, our Izimbizo have not only managed to increase public trust in Government but also help us to better understand the communication needs and issues of greatest importance to the South African public.

We are engaging with Parliament and the Judiciary, in creating space for framing of conversation needed to create a coherent long-term programme for public participation about our respective roles.

This approach sets the tone and founding steps in ensuring that by 2019 every South African has a clear understanding of what Parliament and the Judiciary do.  Our intentions are to create a new forum for public participation in various Parliamentary debates and Judiciary processes. In this regard, we have therefore invited students from UCT and CPUT.

Working together with the office of the Speaker, we will be looking into the previous work of developing a regulatory policy framework and addressing copyrights issues related to broadcast footage produced by Parliament.

Ø  Concluding remarks: “We are Africa”
As I move towards conclusion, Honourable Chairperson, I would be remiss not to mention the last and very important demand in the Freedom Charter.  There Shall Be Peace and Friendship! This last demand spoke of our cooperative relationship with our brothers and sisters here in Africa as well as our respect of the equal rights for all nations and peoples.

With an escalation in public concern over the recent xenophobic attacks, we believe that the media can play a critical role in transforming negative stereotypes and discourses around our brothers and sisters and building on the good will and kindness of the majority of South Africans.

Honourable Chairperson, unlike the self-acclaimed prudent Journalist, Mr Allister Sparks who idolizes Hendrik Verwoed, who was a champion of crime against humanity, who presided over the hanging and torture of black people.   A man who knew no other race except White.   Uphumile uhili ezingcongolweni……, ingcuka eyambethe ufele lwegusha ….idulile.    I am still inspired by uTata Nelson Mandela who said in his speech to leaders in 1994, “Freedom must be understood as the transformation of the lives of ordinary people in the hostels and the ghettos; in the squatter camps; on the farms and in the mine compounds.”

This is the Freedom that the ANC-led government continues to strive to cultivate and nourish for the people of South Africa. A freedom of transformation, a freedom of equality and diversity, a freedom of consultation and participation, a freedom of expression, a freedom of working together to achieve more.

Finally, Chairperson, let me thank my dedicated team, my family and colleagues who are ever supporting me through thick and thin.   Ke mosadi o tshwara thipa bohaleng ka lebaka la lerato la nnete la lona.  

Ke a lebo ha

I thank You!

________________________________________________________________________________

Department of Communications Budget Vote Speech by the Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

20 May 2015

Honourable Chairperson
Honourable Members
The Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi
Ministers and Deputy Ministers here present
Members of the media
Ladies and Gentlemen

Dumelang, Sanibonani, Good afternoon!

It was 60 years ago, when 50,000 brave volunteers went out into this great land, from township to township, city to city, countryside to countryside: on a mission. Their mission was guided by a vision for a better tomorrow, a tomorrow where the African man, woman and child, would have equal rights and the ability to determine their own destiny, free from persecution and systemic oppression. Their mission was for the very soul of this nation. These volunteers talked to South Africans from all walks of life, gathering their freedom demands. Demands for equal rights, equal opportunities, equal access to land, to living wages, to fair labour, to education, to healthcare, to human dignity, and to human potential. These demands became the basis of The Freedom Charter. The Charter’s opening demand went on to become a rallying cry for South Africa’s fight for her freedom and remains a core principle of the ANC led government’s work to this day. That unifying cry is that: “THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN!”

Shlalo ohloniphekile, usomqulu wamalungelo uwazisa ukukwazi ukuthol’ ulwazi njengelungelo labantu eliqavile.

Prior to 1994, we experienced a broadcasting environment which was state controlled. State broadcasting services comprised of SABC, TBVC and private services which included Capital Radio 604 and Radio 702; as well as Radio Freedom on short wave. Madame Chairperson, through the ANC-led government, today the public broadcaster has 18 radio stations, three television stations a 24-hour news channel and encore channel.

Modula setulo; allow me to pause for a moment and reflect on a period which I am certain most of us assembled here have gone through. When I turned 21, I remember words of wisdom from my father who said, “lifikile exesha lokuhlola impazamo, imposiso kunye nezinto eziqaqambileyo odlule kuzo ukuzothi ga ngoku. Ntinga unqandwe zinkwenkwezi!

Ladies and Gentlemen, 2015 marks 21 years of democracy under the ANC-led government. We acknowledge that whilst much has been achieved to redress the imbalances of the apartheid system, much more needs to be done.

21 years into our democratic dispensation, the ANC led-government is steadfast on this guiding principle that, “the people of South Africa govern!”

21 Years of Progress

Honourable Chairperson, since our maiden Budget Vote in 2014 we have travelled the length and breadth of this country engaging communities and the media fraternity at large on the state of communications in the Country and matters requiring our attention.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the people can only govern if;

They have access to information, and provide feedback to government
The poor have a voice
Independent, diverse and sustainable media is developed to foster long term peace and stability
His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma, expressed a concern with the transformation of the print media industry; noting that ownership in the print media is still dominated by the “Big Four, and only 14 percent of the main stream print media is in black hands of which women participation in board and senior management is limited to 4 percent.

Fellow South Africans, we cannot rest until this situation is turned around. Robust engagement with media owners, Parliament and the public is necessary to successfully address this monopoly of media.

Honourable Members, through GCIS, we will commence the discussions and debate around transformation within a media environment by finalising its Draft discussion document: titled “Towards a Policy on Media Transformation and Diversity.”

Chairperson, like many sectors in the communications space, media has to have its own charter. In this regard, the Department will approach parliament to consider holding an inquiry on how the print media can develop its own Media transformation charter. It is only through this process that we will be able to bring about transformation and change the tide in the print media.

MEDIA DIVERSITY

Honourable Chairperson, community media remains an integral part of our democracy and transformation on the ground. The ANC-led government remains resolute that community media must be supported, developed and capacitated to deliver on their mandate.

With over 200 licenced community radio stations and five community TV stations, the sector has evolved. In this respect, it is worth celebrating the successes of radio stations such as Radio Zibonele, a community radio station here in Khayelitsha which is doing extremely well in terms of complying with its licence conditions.

In the same breadth we note the sterling work executed by Soweto TV which currently attracts over 3, 1 million viewers and employs over 100 people, of which 80% of are local young people. Indeed Siyaqhuba!

Noting the challenges around skills development, governance, reliance on media brokers and inadequate human resource we will publish a Community Radio and Television Support Strategy for public consultation in all nine provinces. SABC and MDDA will support the community radio sector, through the programme production initiative which will be targeting young people. In partnership with Forscene we are going to train unemployed youth, learners and teachers on Online Video Editing Software. Chairperson, we will also be engaging the Campus radio stations across institutions of higher education in the Country. In addition, Chairperson, we are going to provide community radio stations with equipment and infrastructure. MDDA and the South African Weather Service have joined hands in capacitating community radio stations on weather reporting and analysis. This will commence by the end of June.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Mhlali ngaphambili, Ukupapasha ngexanasi kuligxeke, kukwakhubaza umkhitha wenkululeko yezendaba. Malungu abekelekileyo, ngokweqweqwe lwenkangeleko, imiceli mingeni kuMzantsi Afrika kukuzam’ ukuqinisa amaqhele ekumanyeni isizwe esathi sazintsalu ngemibono.

The recent judgments by the Press Ombudsman and the Appeal Panel (led by Judge Ngoepe) against the Sunday Times, Daily Dispatch, City Press and the many apologies published by these newspapers (including Business Day) confirm the deterioration of journalistic standards, continued non-compliance with the Press Code, and the ineffectiveness of self/co-regulation.

The revelations of a document purported to be a Daily Dispatch News Diary, which if it is proved to be a Daily Dispatch internal document, shows and proves the well reported media agenda against the ANC and instead of it being media they are playing oppositional party politics. Responsible journalism requires of our media to look at itself objectively. As for the government’s responsibilities, regulations and guidelines must always serve the public interest.

Moving South Africa forward through development communication

In moving South Africa forward, we will require extra efforts in the form of development communication that is deliberately targeted towards enhancing government communication work and transforming the relationship between the citizen and the state. In this respect, our Izimbizo have not only managed to increase public trust in Government but also help us to better understand the communication needs and issues of greatest importance to the South African public. We are engaging with Parliament and the Judiciary, in creating space for framing of conversation needed to create a coherent long-term programme for public participation about our respective roles. This approach sets the tone and founding steps in ensuring that by 2019 every South African has a clear understanding of what Parliament and the Judiciary do. Our intentions are to create a new forum for public participation in various Parliamentary debates and Judiciary processes. In this regard, we have therefore invited students from UCT and CPUT. Working together with the office of the Speaker, we will be looking into the previous work of developing a regulatory policy framework and addressing copyrights issues related to broadcast footage produced by Parliament.

Concluding remarks: “We are Africa”

As I move towards conclusion, Honourable Chairperson, I would be remiss not to mention the last and very important demand in the Freedom Charter. There Shall Be Peace and Friendship! This last demand spoke of our cooperative relationship with our brothers and sisters here in Africa as well as our respect of the equal rights for all nations and peoples.

With an escalation in public concern over the recent xenophobic attacks, we believe that the media can play a critical role in transforming negative stereotypes and discourses around our brothers and sisters and building on the good will and kindness of the majority of South Africans.

Honourable Chairperson, unlike the self-acclaimed prudent Journalist, Mr Allister Sparks who idolizes Hendrik Verwoed, who was a champion of crime against humanity, who presided over the hanging and torture of black people. A man who knew no other race except White. Uphumile uhili ezingcongolweni……, ingcuka eyambethe ufele lwegusha ….idulile. I am still inspired by uTata Nelson Mandela who said in his speech to leaders in 1994, “Freedom must be understood as the transformation of the lives of ordinary people in the hostels and the ghettos; in the squatter camps; on the farms and in the mine compounds.”

This is the Freedom that the ANC-led government continues to strive to cultivate and nourish for the people of South Africa. A freedom of transformation, a freedom of equality and diversity, a freedom of consultation and participation, a freedom of expression, a freedom of working together to achieve more.

Finally, Chairperson, let me thank my dedicated team, my family and colleagues who are ever supporting me through thick and thin. Ke mosadi o tshwara thipa bohaleng ka lebaka la lerato la nnete la lona.

Ke a lebo ha

I thank You!

______________________________________________________________________________

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) response

Democratic Alliance (DA) response

African National Congress (ANC) response

 

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