President Jacob Zuma will on Sunday 19 October, host a celebration of the contribution of the media fraternity to the attainment of freedom and democracy, as the country marks 20 years of freedom and democracy this year.
The event will commemorate the tragic events of Black Wednesday, 19 October 1977, when the apartheid regime clamped down on the media, banning the World and Weekend World newspapers and intensifying harassment and the arrest of journalists who were fighting for freedom, justice and equality.
The repression followed the tragic murder of Bantu Steve Biko on 12 September 1977.
"The Constitution of the Republic enshrines freedom of expression and of the media, a key achievement which acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of many freedom fighters and selfless journalists to the freedom we enjoy today. Clause 16 of the Constitution is also designed to prevent tragic events such as Black Wednesday 19 October 1977 in our country,'' said President Zuma.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
