(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release: Vienna, 22 April 2004 IPI Criticises Decision to Relocate SA Parliamentary Press Gallery Breaking an agreement made last year, the secretary of parliament, Sindiso Mfenyana, this week told members of the South African Parliamentary Press Gallery Association (PPGA) to vacate their offices in parliament by 23 […]
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release:
Vienna, 22 April 2004
IPI Criticises Decision to Relocate SA Parliamentary Press Gallery
Breaking an agreement made last year, the secretary of parliament, Sindiso Mfenyana, this week told members of the South African Parliamentary Press Gallery Association (PPGA) to vacate their offices in parliament by 23 April.
Regarding the decision, IPI Director Johann P. Fritz said, “I’m extremely surprised at parliament’s decision. I thought an agreement had been made last year when the PPGA relinquished some of its office space.”
“The decision to relocate the offices some five to ten minutes from the parliament will make the media’s work more difficult. I have also been told there are safety issues concerning the office’s location,” he added.
Fritz went on to say, “If the media are to have an oversight role in South African society they must be given proper access to parliament and it comes as no surprise to me that the deadline for moving is the date of the South African presidential elections. This will ensure that the media are engaged elsewhere while the elections are taking place.”
“Apparently, according to some, the increase in the ANC’s majority after recent parliamentary elections necessitated additional space. I think, there is a deeper reason: the size of the ANC’s majority means it no longer needs to worry about the media!”
“As a result, the ANC is prepared to exclude the media from the parliamentary process. Given the historical relationship between parliament and the media, I think this is a retrograde step that calls into question the present government’s support for the free flow of information and open government,” said Fritz.
