Eliminating Media Freedom: the ANC’s Proposed Media Tribunal for South Africa
Advocate Anton Alberts, Parliamentary Spokesman on Communications for the Freedom Front Plus, a conservative Afrikaner party, summed it up with these remarks: “The ANC is playing with fire by interfering with media freedom.” He said it would be the first step in the global isolation of South Africa, and that this step would eventually derail the whole constitution and set the ground for the revival of old conflicts. There are already instruments in place to hold the media accountable, such as the courts and the press Ombudsman. Alberts referred to Hungary, where a state-controlled media authority was recently appointed, threatening media freedom there. “Hungary is living proof that power corrupts and complete power corrupts completely. Similar to South Africa, the governing party in Hungary… has a two-thirds majority and based on this unilaterally decided to create a media authority which has the power to restrict media freedom.” [12]
We urge all true Christians to pray about this extremely serious matter, which, if legislated, will adversely effect the lives of their brothers and sisters in Christ living in South Africa.
August 2010
Shaun Willcock is a minister of the Gospel, and lives in South Africa. He runs Bible Based Ministries. For other articles (which may be downloaded and printed), as well as details about his books, audio messages, pamphlets, etc., please visit the Bible Based Ministries website; or write to the address below. If you would like to be on Bible Based Ministries’ email list, to receive all future articles, please send your details.
Bible Based Ministries
info@biblebasedministries.co.uk
www.biblebasedministries.co.uk
This article may be copies for free distribution if it is copied in full
WORLDWIDE CONTACT:
Contending for the Faith Ministries
42055 Crestland Drive
Lancaster, CA 93536
USA
ENDNOTES:
[1].The Witness, August 3, 2010.
[2].The Witness, August 12, 2010.
[3].The Witness, August 3, 2010.
[4].The Witness, July 20, 2010.
[5].The Witness, August 11, 2010.
[6].The Daily Maverick, August 10, 2010. www.thedailymaverick.co.za.
[7].The Witness, August 9, 2010.
[8].Sunday Times, August 8, 2010.
[9].The Witness, August 4, 2010.
[10].Sunday Times, August 8, 2010.
[11].Sunday Times, August 8, 2010.
[12].Freedom Front Plus e-Newsletter, No. 240, 17 August 2010. dalien@vf.co.za.
Filed under: south africa