Madonsela, Tlakula Support Media Self-Regulation

Public protector, Thuli Madonsela, and Adv Pansy Tlakula, have told the Press Freedom Commission hearings on media regulation that there is no other effective way to ensure freedom of the press and expression.

Madonsela and Tlakula, however, were unequivocal in their support for a free, self-regulated press, stating that, "The need for a free and independent but accountable and responsible media, is not negotiable."

Their views were in stark contrast to those held by the African National Congress (ANC), which told the commission it favoured a regulatory body, the Media Appeals Tribunal, overseen by Parliament earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Tlakula, in her capacity as special rapporteur of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, referred to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, which is a part of the African Charter, to which South Africa is a signatory.

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