Nyakallo Tefu
The media has been classified as an essential service by the government during the COVID-19 state of national disaster and lockdown in order to ensure that all South Africans have access to crucial and up-to-date information.
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu said this was a measure to ensure that South African’s and the international community have access to vital information during the lockdown.
“In a moment of crisis such as we are experiencing, journalism that informs, enlightens, empowers and brings hope to citizens and stakeholders is an important national asset and necessity,” said Mthembu.
Government has requested media and broadcast organizations, especially those who are actively covering the current disaster – to ensure that journalists and broadcast technical crews and distributors are in possession at all times of press cards, personal identity documents or corporate identity cards at all times.
Mthembu said all South Africans must play their part to contain the spread of this virus and to protect the health and life of all.
