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.” *
“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.
* In a previous version of this Press Release, IPI wrongly implied that the South African Presidential Elections would take place on 23 April.