MEDIA SAFETY, ACCREDITATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION AT THE MADLANGA COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR
MEDIA SAFETY, ACCREDITATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION AT THE MADLANGA COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
For Immediate Release
Johannesburg, South Africa — 21 August 2026
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ respectfully calls for clear and transparent public communication regarding the safety, accreditation and working conditions of journalists, presenters, broadcasters, editors, photographers and other members of the media covering the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The media plays an important role in ensuring that matters of significant public interest are accurately reported and made accessible to the public. Journalists and media workers covering the Commission should be able to perform their professional duties in a safe, orderly and clearly regulated environment.
MEDIA SAFETY
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ calls on the relevant authorities and Commission officials to clearly communicate the safety measures applicable to accredited media personnel, including journalists, reporters, presenters, broadcasters, photographers, videographers, editors and technical crews.
This information should clearly explain:
The procedures for media accreditation and access;
Designated areas for accredited media;
Safety and security procedures;
Rules governing photography, video recording and broadcasting;
Access to Commission proceedings and media facilities;
Procedures for raising safety concerns or reporting incidents;
The responsibilities of security personnel when dealing with accredited media.
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA AT THE COMMISSION
The media serves an important public-interest function by reporting on proceedings, developments and information arising from the Commission.
Professional media coverage enables members of the public who cannot attend proceedings personally to remain informed through television, radio, newspapers, websites, livestreams and social-media platforms.
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ therefore supports responsible, accurate, independent and ethical journalism while recognising the need for appropriate rules to protect the integrity and orderly functioning of the Commission.
CLARITY ON ACCREDITED MEDIA
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ further calls for clear public communication identifying the official accreditation requirements and rights applicable to approved media representatives covering the Commission.
Where media representatives have been formally accredited or authorised, the public should be able to understand the scope of that accreditation, including whether accredited personnel are permitted to take photographs, record video, conduct interviews, broadcast or livestream from designated areas.
Such information should be communicated directly by the appropriate Commission authorities so that journalists, media organisations, security personnel and members of the public have a common understanding of the applicable rules.
PROTECTING JOURNALISTS AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Journalists should not have to work under unnecessary uncertainty regarding their safety, access or professional responsibilities.
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ believes that clear rules, transparent accreditation procedures, professional security arrangements and effective communication between the Commission and the media are essential to a credible public-interest process.
We encourage all media organisations and independent journalists covering the Commission to comply with the applicable rules, maintain professional standards and respect the rights and safety of all participants.
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ remains committed to promoting responsible journalism, community-focused broadcasting and access to information across South Africa and Africa.
Issued by:
CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS
Founder & Executive Director
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™
The Voice of Communities Across South Africa and Africa
For Media Enquiries:
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™
https://kasibc.blogspot.com/?m=1
WHATSAPP: 060 435 2087
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