Reminder to RSVP: Media Under Fire: but who is making the threats? (27th March 2018)
Date: 22 March 2018
From: Nelson Mandela Foundation
The ushering of media freedom in South Africa in the post-apartheid state has been one of the most important aspects of maintaining democracy in the country. An event held with MMA on the 8th of March engaged with some of these key moments in South Africa and how these events were able to hold politicians and corporates accountable for the weakening of democracy.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has long grappled with the ‘capture of democracy’. This capture comes from various forms, such as undue corporate influence, threats of violence, corruption, types of lobbying and populism. Furthermore, in a new media space driven by social and online media there is less control over the types of content leading to new forms of threats. Adding to the concern is that the political moment has also led to types various types of self-censorship, particularly on controversial topics.
In order to engage with these threats to the media and to freedom of expression, the Oslo Freedom Forum, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Media Monitoring Africa will host a public dialogue on the threats to media freedom and expression. Three international speakers will provide a global perspective.
Three key lines of inquiry will guide the discussion.
1.) What types of self-censorships have become prevalent due to the political moment?
2.) How have corporate/power interests distracted narratives and what does this mean for media freedom?
3.) How do we harness new technologies to become liberatory rather than polemic and divisive spaces?
4.) What are the emerging threats and where are they coming from?
The three confirmed Oslo Freedom Forum speakers:
- Rafael Marques de Morais (Angolan journalist)
- Zineb El Rhazoui (Moroccan-born French journalist)
- Iyad el-Baghdadi (Palestinian writer)
Engaged with South Africans:
- Krivani Pillay (SABC)
- Khadija Patel (Mail and Guardian)
Facilitated by Chris Vick
10:00-12:00 (followed by a light lunch)
107 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg (Secure parking along Central Street)
Please RSVP to Leed@nelsonmandela.org
For Media Enquires contact:
Lunga Nene