Press statement
30 April 2015
The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), in partnership with the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, will be hosting a seminar on Tuesday, 5 May 2015, in Johannesburg, in celebration of the ideals of World Press Freedom Day.
Guided by the United Nations international theme for 2015, the seminar will be themed “Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality and Media Safety in the Digital Age”. It will bring together government departments and entities, media practitioners and students, academia and civil society organisations to commemorate the day, with a focus on the “State of Media Freedom in South Africa”.
Given the importance of World Press Freedom Day to underpinning the fundamental human right to freedom of expression, the MDDA invites all South Africans to remember this Day on 3 May. Proclaimed in December 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly, the Day is marked internationally as an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; assess the state of press freedom throughout the world; defend the media from attacks on their independence; and pay tribute to the many courageous journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 2002, the MDDA gives meaning and effect to the principles of press freedom through its commitment to a free and diverse media, with access to all. The MDDA promotes such development in the South African media throughout the country, by building an environment where a diverse, vibrant and creative media flourishes and reflects the needs of all South Africans. Specific objectives of the MDDA Act include encouraging ownership and control of and access to media by historically disadvantaged communities, as well as by the historically diminished indigenous language and cultural groups. In addition, the MDDA seeks to raise public awareness with regard to media development and diversity and encourages research regarding these crucial issues.
The Seminar will be held on Tuesday, 05 May 2015 at the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism, ground floor, 1 Richmond Forum, Cedar Street, Richmond, Johannesburg, and runs from 09h00 to 16h00.
The seminar programme is available on the MDDA website.
Further information can be obtained from Ms Khanyisa Mahlawule, MDDA, on khanyisa@mdda.org.za or 011 643 1100.
Issued by:
MDDA: 011 643 1100
MDDA Communications
