MEDIA FREEDOM IS NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY CAF PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe today at the South African National Editor’s Forum (SANEF) Annual General Meeting reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to media freedom on the African continent.

He also expressed CAF’s undertaking to work together with journalists and other stakeholders to advance and promote free speech and quality journalism in Africa.

The CAF President told the Meeting: “In any democracy, freedom of the press and free speech are crucial.  The role of media includes reporting objectively and independently on the activities of political, business and other leaders and to keep us all accountable and transparent.”

He condemned acts of intimidations and what some journalists referred to as bullying of journalists in some African countries.

Dr. Motsepe said: “We will not tolerate any acts of intimidations or bullying and whenever there are allegations of journalists being harassed either at CAF events or by any of our Member Associations, we will investigate and take appropriate action.”

President Motsepe said that there was a need to increase the engagement and cooperation between CAF, SANEF, and other organizations representing journalists on the African continent.

He spoke about the progress that has been made at CAF over the last fourteen months including, the adherence to global best practices on good governance, auditing, transparency and ethical conduct. The improvement in football infrastructure and the increase of the prize money of CAF competitions, as well as developing and investing in women’s, youth and  school’s football. The overall improvement in the quality of African football and the increase in the attractiveness of CAF Competitions to spectators, TV broadcasters, sponsors and other commercial partners.

The CAF President said: “My request to the media is that it should continue to report on the socio-economic deficiencies and shortcomings in Africa but that it must also independently and fairly communicate, the successes in football and other socio-economic undertakings. All of us must also give hope to the youth and motivate and inspire all Africans to succeed and grow in football and other socio-economic endeavors.”