May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day, a day celebrated internationally. The National Press Club calls on all stakeholders to ensure that press freedom is upheld in South Africa.
Newly-elected National Press Club Chairperson Ntando Makhubu called on all stakeholders to ensure journalists had the freedom to do their jobs without harassment, fear, abuse or intimidation. She said the media is a crucial pillar in a democracy and it must be protected at all costs.
“In many parts of the world, including neighboring states, media freedom is not a given and we must protect what rights we have “, she said.
“Important to uphold as the country celebrates 25 years of democracy, is the role of the media, to promote the country’s constitution, which is that the country belongs to all who live in it. That spills over into the media being allowed to carry on with being the ears and eyes of the nation, to keep those in positions of power accountable.”
She also emphasised on the members of the the 4th estate never to forget their own role, and to stick to the ethics of their profession.