Editors’ from around South Africa will meet this weekend to tackle critical issues impacting on media freedom.

The discussion forms part of the SA National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) Council Meeting in the Western Cape on Sunday, February 10 2008. This is the first council meeting after the ANC Conference in Polokwane.

In keeping with the organisation’s constitution to engage various stakeholders, SANEF is pleased to announce that the countries two most formidable leaders, Kgalema Motlanthe, ANC Deputy President and Helen Zille, leader of the Democratic Alliance will separately address editors.

Motlanthe, accompanied by Dr. Pallo Jordan, Chair of the ANC’s NEC Committee on Communications will address Council.

Richard Calland, Associate Professor in Constitutional Law, UCT will also give input.

Later that evening the DA leader will address a SANEF dinner to be held at a popular restaurant in Cape Town.

“Media freedom and the role of media in our South African democracy, has been and will continue to be debated at all levels of our society. Sanef has in recent months held various discussions with a range of stakeholders on this key issue. It was therefore opportune that given recent political developments and the expectations that some leaders have on the role of the media, that SANEF saw fit to invite the ANC, DA and an independent expert to address the leadership of SANEF,” said Jovial Rantao, SANEF Chairperson.

Rantao said these engagements are vital to sustain media’s role as a watchdog and information conduit.

SANEF will continue to make certain that these debates and discussions take place regularly. “It is vital for media to engage regularly with a range of stakeholders that make up the fabric of our diverse country,” added Rantao.

All Media are invited to attend.

For further details – RSVP, venue and times speakers will make input, please contact Ms Femida Mehtar on 084 784 2006 by Saturday 09 February 2008.

Issued by: SA National Editors' Forum (SANEF)