The peer-review mechanism of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) should include a provision for free and independent press, Canadian Finance Minister Ralph Goodale was told on Monday.
Goodale, who is in South Africa in his capacity as a commissioner of the Commission for Africa (CFA), was handed the submission on Nepad’s shortcomings concerning press freedom by the editor of the Southern African Report, Raymond Louw, in Johannesburg.
Louw said the peer-review mechanism within Nepad is deficient in that the media are not protected.
”Of 55 countries in Africa, 45 have insult laws. This means you cannot criticise government. It is of concern that there is no provision for press freedom,” Louw said.
He said he has already made submissions to Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano and to the South African government.
”We want them to ensure a provision is made for free and independent media as part of the good governance review.”
He said there are very few countries in Africa where the media are able to freely perform their role as a watchdog for the public.
Goodale said it is the first time the matter has been raised with him but that he will discuss it with his fellow commissioners who serve on the CFA.
Louw was the editor of the Rand Daily Mail. — Sapa