World Press Freedom Day - A tribute to Africa�s journalist
Friday, May 05, 2017
Journalists
World Press Freedom Day, 3rd of May is a day to commemorate the contribution of the media to democracy, justice and social reform. It is a day that recognises the contribution of not just the role of the media, but the contribution media activists make to drive social change and address the injustices that prevail in our society.
Born in the Orange Free State province on October 9, 1876 Solomon Thekisho Plaatje became more than a mere journalist, he was an icon of the struggle for African liberation and social reform. He will of course always receive tribute as one of the founding members of the African National Congress (ANC) but it was his career as a journalist that set him on the path of political activism.
When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...