Cape Town Conference: Mbeki says both media and government must be responsible

Mbeki said: “Even if there is the necessary chasm between the media and government in the perennial debate about what constitute the public or national interest and so on, at least the debate must proceed in openness and fairness.”

“We do believe that both government and media are called to act responsibly in a well-run state. This also applies to public relations, marketing and advertising interests that can have such a powerful influence in society.”

Mbeki said that it was incumbent on the media to be introspective and to conduct itself in ways that will enhance and not undermine acceptable standards of public morality and good behaviour.

“It is, I would suggest, important for the media to do various things to professionalize and perfect their craft, such as improving training methods, broadening the scope of specialist and in depth writing and research, and retaining skilled and experienced practitioners within the profession,” said Mbeki.

The president also urged the newsmen and women gathering in Cape Town to tell the African story that is no more benefiting from coverage in world media “in as much depth and contextual detail as possible.”

“And physically get around the continent, identifying the successes and reverses so as to reflect what is really happening on the ground.”

Mbeki said the continent has not escaped the tussle between media freedom and governance and some journalists in the continent have paid the ultimate price.

“There is particular anger around what is seen as the impunity enjoyed by some governments in their perceived or actual actions against journalists and editors. I am also aware of the feeling among African editors that libel and similar laws are used to deal with a media that is seen as uncomplimentary to the authorities.”

However, Mbeki said the problem was being addressed, and one of such instance would occur when the presidents of the African Union gather in Accra, Ghana for the annual meeting. Five of them will meet five African editors to open lines of communications between the political leadership and the editors.

By Bate Felix, Wits University Journalism