Film and Publications Amendment Bill 2006
31 August 2006
Today, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba and
representatives from the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF), Print
Media South Africa (PMSA), Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), Publishers
Association of South Africa (PASA) and Media Institute of Southern Africa
(MISA) met to discuss concerns around the Films and Publications Amendment Bill
2006.
The meeting was cordial and discussions were frank and comprehensive. Both
parties agreed on the need to protect children from pornography and sexual
exploitation.
In addition, both parties welcomed the Cabinet decision and the specific
assurance that freedom of expression will be respected and retained, and that
âgovernment has no intention whatsoever to muzzle the media in any way and that
this position will not changeâ.
The media welcomed the assurance that public participation and inputs will
be assured through the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee process in Parliament
when the bill is finally tabled.
The media committed themselves to participate in such a process. The
delegations agreed to meet again once government has studied the presentations
made.
Enquiries:
Thabo Leshilo
Deputy Chairperson of SANEF
Cell: 082 466 8140
Themba Maseko
Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 645 0810
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System and South African
National Editors Forum
31 August 2006
