Statement of the Provincial Executive Committee of the African National Congress Youth League following the PEC Meeting held on 28th April 2010 The ANC Youth League Provincial Executive Committee met to discuss its political approach to the Provincial Conference of the ANC. The meeting also deliberated on the preparations for regional congresses of the ANC Youth League as well as the contemplated charges against the President of the ANC Youth League. On the Provincial Conference of the ANC The ANC Gauteng will hold its elective conference on the 6th to the 9th May 2010 in Tshwane. The ANC Youth League PEC developed a political approach to the ANC Conference informed by the Strategy & Tactics, the 2009 General Election Manifesto, the 52nd National Conference resolutions and Through the eye of the needle…

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The National Press Club has welcomed President Jacob Zuma’s comments about freedom of the media, his condemnation of ANCYL President, Julius Malema’s treatment of a BBC journalist and a statement that the press should be engaged “professionally and with dignity.” “We are delighted that President Zuma again reaffirmed that we should be allowed to do our work unhindered,” chairperson of the National Press Club, Yusuf Abramjee, said in a statement. Yesterday, the Press Club convened an urgent summit of media body representatives, editors and political correspondents to discuss Malema’s on-going attacks on journalists.

The meeting resolved that a media delegation “engage” with President Zuma as the leader of the ANC and the ANCYL’s mother body, as a matter of urgency. “The name-calling and abuse of the media by Malema must stop and we want Zuma to protect media freedom,” an earlier statement said. Abramjee addressed a letter to President Zuma earlier today calling for a meeting. He said the Presidency has indicated to him that a date will be finalized on Zuma’s return from the USA next week. “Today, Zuma hit out at the ANCYL in one of his strongest statements yet and we welcome it. “Those who are out of line should be brought to order and be disciplined,” said Abramjee “and Malema has been given free reign for far too long.”

The President said the country’s Constitution enshrines the principle of freedom of the media. “An independent and free media is one of the cornerstones of democracy. It is an important barometer of the extent to which the people are freely able to express themselves.” Zuma added: “While in a democracy there will inevitably be times of contestation between the media and other sections of society, the fundamental principles should be adhered to at all times. We must accord journalists the freedom to do their work unhindered. “We should engage them professionally and with dignity. Should there be a need to take issue with anything that is being reported, it should be done in a manner that promotes frank and open engagement, ” Zuma added. Abramjee said Zuma’s comments were heartening.

“We are delighted that our head of state has addressed this issue in a strong and balanced way. We are also told that action will be taken by the ANC if anyone breaks the rules. Let’s hope these words are now put into action.” He said a delegation of media representatives were looking forward in engaging Zuma on media issues. “Zuma’s attitude towards the media is welcomed. His on-going engagement with the media is commendable. We call on other leaders within the ruling party to heed Zuma’s words and follow his example.” Abramjee added: “Yes, there is going to tension between government, political parties and the media from time to time. But, let’s do it with respect and dignity and stop the name-calling, the intimidation and general abuse of the media by people like Malema and his spokespeople.”

Enquiries: Yusuf Abramjee, cell 082 4414 203

The media fraternity has resolved to urgently engage President Jacob Zuma on the continued application of the principles of media freedom that are entrenched in our constitution. Editors, journalists and media organisations came out in their numbers in Sandton today to discuss the way forward following ANC Youth League President Julius Malema’s verbal attack on a journalist yesterday, as well as his continued tirade against the media. The National Press Club convened the urgent media summit. Various media bodies were represented, including the Foreign Correspondents Association,

The Professional Journalists Association and the Southern African Freelancers Association. Individual members of the South African National Editors’ Forum also participated in the discussions. “Discussions and debate were open and robust. The media fraternity is united on this issue,” said Yusuf Abramjee, chairman of the National Press Club. It was resolved that the media would urgently engage President Jacob Zuma in his capacity as President of the ANC, the mother-body of the ANCYL. “We will immediately write a letter to President Zuma, where we will express our concerns and appeal for the protection of the media. We will also raise media literacy issues. There will also be a request for a meeting,” Abramjee said. The National Press Club noted the statement released by the ANC today that condemns Malema’s actions. The club is of the opinion that Malema’s behaviour is contradictory to the undertaking by Zuma at the club’s Newsmaker of the Year Banquet recently, that journalists should not be victimised under any circumstances.

The summit also resolved that it would not boycott the flow of news from the ANCYL, or any other organisation, as this would amount to irresponsible behaviour by the journalistic fraternity. However, the summit agreed that journalists could walk out of media briefings if they feel that their journalistic ethics are being undermined. A steering committee was elected during the summit, representing various media bodies and organisations. “As the Professional Journalists Association we feel that today’s meeting was constructive and productive. We look forward to resolving this issue constructively moving forward,” said General Secretary of Pro-Journ, Samantha Perry. Abramjee concluded: “The meeting was very useful and we need to resolve this matter as one of urgency.

The media being treated with contempt must cease immediately, as well as the name calling. We will continue to address issues that infringe on media freedom.” Released by National Press Club Secretariat Tel: 012 804 5199 Enquiries: Yusuf Abramjee, National Press Club Chairman, 082 441 4203