01 October 2010
The African National Congress Youth League has noted the predominantly white Wits University Senate's Statement on the Protection of Information Bill and the proposed Media Tribunal. In the statement, Wits University Senate says, "the proposal of a Media Appeals Tribunal currently under consideration by the ANC might enable direct State suppression of the freedom of expression. Accountable to parliament which is constituted overwhelmingly by the ruling party, the Tribunal might undermine the media's necessary role in informing society. The ruling party's antagonistic attitude to the print media has been illustrated by the recent public eviction from a media conference and very disturbingly by the arrest and detention of a Journalist at the order of a Politician".
This remark by the previously renowned institution of higher learning Wits University is not only disgusting, but sensationally raises false alarms about the ANC's call for independent regulation and monitoring of the media. The recently held National General Council of the ANC re-emphasised the vitality of freedom of expression, yet resolved on the need for independent media regulation, moving away from the current system of self-regulation by a toothless, useless and inefficient Press Ombudsman. Wits University Senate is ignoring the ANC resolutions and show its true right-wing colours and drum sensationalist politics that the ANC is opposed to media freedom. The ANC fought for media freedom, will never suppress it under whatever circumstances, and will never be silent when media violates the right to dignity of South Africans citizens.
The ANC Youth League advises Wits University to stop entering into politics and rather focus on rescuing its crumbling image and prestige as an institution of higher learning. The racism and suppression of students' activism at Wits University does not qualify Wits University, which is thriving in the shadow of its former self, to raise anything sensible, because it continues to harbour racists and intolerant managers with no vision for transformation.
Wits University Senate is advised to properly read the ANC's resolutions on media regulation and immediately stop parroting sensational opposition party politics. The predominantly white Wits University Senate should use the energy they have to advise the University Management to drop charges against black students whom the University is persecuting for engaging in a protest for better studying conditions.
Statement issued by the ANC Youth League, October 1 2010
Published on www.politicsweb.co.za