Opening address by the Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Pinky Kekana (MP), at the National Adjudications Committee meeting at Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre, Benoni, Gauteng
Chairperson of the Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC) and host;
Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat representatives;
Representatives of the RAC from member states present here;
Ladies and gentlemen.
I am delighted to welcome you to the most Southern Tip of Africa.
Your arrival coincides with a Youth Month in South Africa, and nothing explains this historic moment in our history better than the Iconic image of Hector Pieterson captured by the late well-known photographer Sam Nzima.
Sam Nzima’s camera became a lens through which the world could see the real image of Apartheid.
The image also went on to reveal the exploitative nature of the industry, Sam Nzima, never received, appropriate compensation for his work he was only paid R 100 for an image that changed South Africa.
By extension the life and times of Sam Nzima remains a metaphor for the importance of journalism in our society, it is also a reminder that journalists are definitely not immune from exploitative practices.
Your visit also occurs 24 days before, we celebrate the centenary birth of our distinguished icon, former President Nelson Mandela.
As a nation we have been reflecting on his legacy and the many of pearls of wisdom he shared with us, on the media, Mandela said “none of our irritations with the perceived inadequacies of the media should ever allow us to even suggest faintly that the independence of the press could be compromised or coerced.”
Media independence is something we should all continue to champion.
Those of us who dispense public power on behalf of our citizens must accept that the fourth estate is most effective; when it asks tough questions; and when it amplifies the voices of the minorities and voiceless.
Equally the media must concede that it does not only serve as mirror of society, the media has the power to shape society, to this end it should help us reinforce universal values such gender equality, dignity and the promotion of social progress.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
South Africa has been honoured to chair SADC since last year. Great strides were made during our chairship, especially in the areas of trade, peace, security and social cohesion. As a country we continue to play a significant role in building and further cementing the vision that was consolidated 38 years ago when the Southern African Development Coordination Conference, the predecessor to SADC, was founded.
The vision remains relevant today as we have witnessed the growth of this body and its role within the member states. Correctly so, a decision was taken in 2017 to welcome the Republic of Comoros as a member state. This is indeed a demonstration of the relevance of this body.
Our road to regional integration is as bright as ever. We are now dealing with the real challenges of our communities. Yes, I used the word “real” correctly. We have moved from fighting for liberation, to tackling the residues of colonisation.
Despite the fact that the African continent as a whole has broken the yolk of colonialism, the people of Western Sahara continue to endure the countless injustices, the indigenous people of Western Sahara’s right to self-determination remains is still a critical component of Africa’s liberation. It is no different from the Israel and Palestine question.
In the same way journalist revealed the brutality of apartheid, they must reveal the stories of brutality which are endured by the people of Western Sahara. Therefore, we will continue to call for the complete liberation of the people of the Sahara.
With that said, our continent is still shaped by the historical colonial experiences and we are still distinctly and to some extent proudly defined according to our colonial past, namely Anglophone, Lusophone and Francophone.
However, there is a resolve for a new dawn in the continent. Within this context, we have seen and come to appreciate bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States and SADC, amongst others.
The objectives of SADC are very clear; to achieve development, peace, security and economic growth to alleviate poverty, enhance the standard and quality of life of the peoples of Southern Africa and support the socially disadvantaged through regional integration that is built on democratic principles, and equitable and sustainable development.
I have no doubt in my mind that positive developments have been achieved in our region. One such achievement is the peaceful situation in Lesotho. In that same vein let me also say come, December in the Democratic Republic of Congo it is the ballot that should win not a bullet. Democracy thrives on tolerance and a free press amongst other things.
As per the communique of the Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC held on 24 April 2018 in Angola, the implementation of the SADC decisions by all stakeholders in Lesotho has restored peace to that country.
SADC has also been in unlocking regional economic opportunities for instance the second Meeting of the Technical Steering Committee of the Project on Enhancement of a Sustainable Regional Energy Market in the Eastern Africa-Southern Africa-Indian Ocean held in Namibia in April 2018, will go a long way towards harmonising the regulatory framework of energy in the region.
Furthermore the Industrialisation Strategy that is being rolled out this year to 12 member states will confront the challenges of youth empowerment. Building resilient infrastructure, can promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster much needed innovation.
I am just mentioning a few good things that are emerging from the region.
The central question is; who knows about all this good news? Who knows that a new dawn is beginning to emerge in the SADC states?
As I understand it, our meeting here in South Africa is meant to recognise and to some extent, reward partners in the media industry who assist in making sure that ordinary people, including our many stakeholders and audiences, are informed and made aware of the positive strides we are making.
The focus of the adjudication process is on those stories that contribute towards regional integration. I therefore call upon you all to do service to the region by truly recognising the work that pronounces on the efforts of the member states in realising the objectives of SADC.
This is one of the most difficult duties to execute. You have to transcend beyond your individual countries for the betterment of the region. I am convinced that with the past experience, you can deliver a product that the region can be proud of.
The entries submitted by hard-working journalists are very competitive. The role and commitment of the media cannot be overemphasised, and they are called the Fourth Estate because they are a window through which we can see what is happening across the world and they can shape our society.
Freedom of the press is one of the cornerstones of democracies. It is against that background that we should echo former President Mandela’s sentiments on the media.
Chairperson, I look forward to quality stories that will be submitted to the Heads of State for recognition later in the year. It is incumbent upon this collective to deliver a verdict worthy of the significance of this occasion.
For the next four days, your participation in this process will go a long way towards building our relationship with the media and upholding the vision of member states. As we hand over the chairpersonship of SADC to Namibia, let us do so with good memories, and a standard worth emulating and improving.
I wish you all the luck and hope you will also find time to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of South Africa. I am aware that you are not on holiday but at least use the few minutes that your schedule allows to enjoy your stay in this beautiful country.
I thank you!
