President Cyril Ramaphosa says while he has lauded South Africa’s improved rating on the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, he says the true state of the media is defined by how it contributes to building a vibrant democracy.
Ramaphosa stated this in his weekly letter to the nation today.
He reflected on the country’s media which index compilers, Reporters without Borders, has described as “sturdy, diverse and dynamic.”
Ahead of next year’s elections, the President has urged journalists to encourage citizens to vote and highlight critical issues, particularly in under-represented communities.
South Africa has moved up ten places from 35th in the world in 2022 to 25th this year in an index which assesses the state of journalism in 180 countries.
President Ramaphosa says this should be a source of pride for our relatively new democracy.
While acknowledging the challenges facing media organisations such as technological changes and shifting consumption patterns he says journalists continue to be the standard-bearers for accountability and the empowerment of citizens.
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