Hon Speaker, government has not discussed the proposed investigation into the establishment of a Media Appeals Tribunal. The proposal is included in the resolutions of the national conference of the ruling party, which took place in Polokwane in 2007.
The resolution promotes media freedom within the context of the human rights ethos of the South African Constitution. It promotes the view that the right to freedom of expression should not be elevated above other equally important rights, especially the right to human dignity, which is also enshrined in the Constitution.
The intention is that the tribunal would strengthen, complement and support current self-regulatory institutions such as the Press Ombudsman's office. It is proposed that such a tribunal could be a statutory institution, established through an open, public and transparent process, and be made accountable to Parliament.
Parliament would be charged with the mandate to establish it in order to guarantee the principle of independence, objectivity, transparency, accountability and fairness.
The investigation would look at, among other things, the tribunal's role in dealing with matters or complaints expressed by citizens against the print media. This would be in the same way as it happens in the case of broadcasting - through the Complaints and Compliance Committee of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, Icasa. The proposal states that the media and other stakeholders, including civil society, shall be consulted to ensure that the process is open, transparent and public.
It must be noted that this vibrant public debate has resulted in a decision by the Press Council to review its constitution with a view to strengthening its self-regulatory mechanisms. We welcome the fact that this vibrant debate, which is raging in the public arena, has now also entered Parliament, thanks to this question from the hon member.
This country's commitment to media freedom is enshrined in the Constitution, and the government would never undertake any action that would be in conflict with the Constitution or our values of freedom and respect for basic human rights.
As the government, we welcome ongoing debate in the spirit of promoting the free exchange of views and ideas to enable informed policy-making processes. I thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]