media gallery
2 November 2006
The media received a shot in the arm when the Speaker of the KZN
legislature, Willies Mchunu, officially opened the new R500 000
state-of-the-art media gallery today. This facility - which boasts 12
top-of-the-range laptop computers (with internet access), 12 soft leather
seats, a printer, a fax, a landline and a water cooler � is aimed at providing
enabling conditions for local and international journalists to disseminate
information.
Speaking at the opening, Mchunu said the facility was an investment by the
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature to knowledge production and a tribute to festivity of
ideas.
"It is an investment to light, and a banishment of darkness. Our democracy
can only triumph if our people receive and impart information freely. We want a
robust media, and a robust citizenry," he said.
He said the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, aspired to be a modern and dynamic
institution reflecting professionalism, responsiveness and bias to action.
"It is our firm belief that you are a guardian of the public interest, a
conduit between elected representatives and the public. Simply put, we both
work in the public interest. One of the critical roles of the Legislature is
performing an oversight role over the work of the provincial government. We
must encourage public participation and facilitate public involvement in our
law making process. We cannot succeed in all this without an active, resourced
media," he added.
With this facility, not only will journalists be able to file their stories
on time to meet their deadlines but also, they will be able to produce
researched information with the help of the internet facilities available.
Mchunu reminded journalists that democracy decay occurs when information was
concealed and journalists harassed. The lack of proper facilities for
journalists to execute their work also hampers the dissemination of
information, he said.
"We remain convinced that democracy will remain stillborn if citizens are
ballooning in the sea of ignorance, starved of vital information, insights and
updates on the progress or otherwise of the work of those they entrusted with
their votes. The backbone of a healthy democracy is an informed and empowered
citizenry. Democracy requires the active participation of citizens; they cannot
partake if they are starved of information," stressed Mchunu.
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
2 November 2006
