The South African government would like to see Zimbabwe enjoy the same press freedom that existed in this country, Deputy President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.
He was addressing the Cape Town Press Club, three days after the company that operates Zimbabwe’s embattled Daily News announced it was firing most of its employees because the government was preventing it from publishing.
”We believe in press freedom,” Zuma said in a reply to a questioner. ”In other words what we express in South Africa about press freedom, that is our position.
”And if you want to equate to Zimbabwe, take what we say here: that will certainly go for what we would want to see in any other country.”
He also said there was a limit on how much he was able to comment on the affairs of another country.
”I think as a government who carries responsibility, we can’t be careless about what we say about other countries, particularly if we are to impact positively [on] other countries.”
Earlier, speaking from his prepared text, he acknowledged the ”outstanding contribution” of the media in bringing about freedom and democracy in South Africa.
He said many journalists had defied the apartheid government’s internal security and censorship laws to tell the truth and expose the evils of apartheid.
Journalists are now able to exercise their right to freedom of expression without hindrance or fear.
”However, we believe that the full story of South Africa is yet to be told, especially from the perspective of the majority of South Africans.
”We hope that the 10th-year celebrations will encourage the media to honestly reflect on the achievements of the past 10 years — how we moved from the brink of civil war and total destruction to peace, harmony and stability.
”You are the ones who could remind this country where we come from.” — Sapa