Films and Publications Amendment Bill
10 October 2006
At the invitation of the Minister in the Presidency, the Minister and Deputy
Minister of Home Affairs held a follow-up meeting with the South African
National Editors' Forum (SANEF) and Print Media South Africa (PMSA) as part of
continuous engagements on the Film and Publications Amendment Bill.
Both parties agreed that children should be protected from pornography,
violence and harmful material. The ministers noted the reservations raised by
the media regarding perceptions that the Bill, in its current form, has the
potential to affect the media's ability to produce news.
The media noted government's concern regarding the exposure of children to
pornography.
The parties agreed that there is a need for further and detailed discussions
and consultation on these clauses that could have the unintended consequence of
muzzling the media.
SANEF and PMSA have already tabled their submissions on the Bill to the
portfolio committee on Home Affairs and look forward to engaging parliament
during hearings next week. The outcome of today's meeting will feed into this
process.
Enquiries:
Trevor Ncube
Chairperson
Print Media South Africa
Cell: 082 370 9118
Ferial Haffajee
Chairperson
South African Editors Forum
Cell: 082 924 3643
Themba Maseko
Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 645 0810
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System
10 October 2006
