Govt, Sanef to meet

2010-10-14 09:03

Johannesburg - The SA National Editors' Forum (Sanef) and the government are to meet at the weekend to examine relations, Government Communications said on Wednesday.

The meeting would be held in Magaliesburg from Friday, spokesperson Bongiwe Gambu said.

The government delegation would include some ministers and deputy ministers and be led by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe. Sanef chairperson Mondli Makhanya would head a group of senior editors from around the country.

"The meeting reflects the importance government attaches to the media as a sector of society. For media executives, the meeting will present an opportunity to raise directly with government various concerns of interest to the sector," Gambu said.

A preparatory meeting was held last month between Motlanthe and Sanef, where the parties undertook to strengthen relations and deliberate issues of mutual interest and concern.

Media wishing to attend the meeting could contact Gambu on 082 7149463.

The ANC's draft Protection of Information Bill and its proposed Media Appeals Tribunal have in recent weeks been met with much criticism for their perceived attempts to stifle press freedom and the free flow of information.

- SAPA