media law

Over the past seven years, 80 individuals have been recognised for their personal giving that has contributed to sustainable social change in South Africa. This year, 12 more individuals were added to the list at the eighth annual Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards, held at Zip Zap Circus in Cape Town.

The murder trial of Oscar Pistorius is setting a precedent when it comes to press coverage of a criminal trial: never before has there been such interest in a court matter in South Africa. That reporters are allowed to live tweet from court, that cameras are allowed to film in the court building are big steps towards a more transparent, freer media.

Replacing the venerable Newspaperman's Guide to the Law, the LexisNexis Practical Guide to Media Law is now the country's most up-to-date guide on how media law is practised in South Africa.

The trial of Oscar Pistorius is precedent-setting, not least for the amount of international attention it is getting. On a real and practical level, it offers the space for the media and the justice system to redefine the margins of what is, and what is not permissible.

Since 1990, South Africa has been a noisy place. After decades of apartheid censorship, the lifting of restrictions on the media led to a cacophony of debate. For the first time in centuries, everyone in the country could be heard, and the result was sometimes deafening, writes Anton Harber.

Since 1990, South Africa has been a noisy place. After decades of apartheid censorship, the lifting of restrictions on the media led to a cacophony of debate. For the first time in centuries, everyone could be heard, and it was sometimes deafening, writes Anton Harber.
• Tutu speaks out for press freedom