Historic celebration in Kingdom

Press Freedom Day was established in 1991 at a conference held in Windhoek, Namibia and is commemorated around the world annually on May 3.

The UNISWA commemoration was attended by, among others, the United States of America Ambassador, Earl Irving, University of Swaziland Vice Chancellor, Professor Cisco Magagula, Pro Vice Chancellor, Victor Mtetwa and the Nation Magazine Editor, Bheki Makhubu.

Also present was the JMC Head of Department, Dr Maxwell Mthembu, Professor John Smith, Dr Adidi Uyo and a number of students from the department and other faculties.

Dr Mthembu said it had always been their wish as a faculty, to host an event to commemorate Press Freedom Day, but it had not always been possible because the day comes around when they are busy with examinations at the institution.

"This year we were fortunate enough that it did not coincide with the examinations period, hence our decision to celebrate this day. The department has resolved to observe Press Freedom Day annually," he said.

Dr Mthembu said they will carve their own tradition of celebrating this day annually in March or April as an institution.

He said their aim is to sensitise students who are future leaders about the significance of press freedom in a developing economy. He pointed out that one should highlight the importance of training journalists if they are to serve the public with diligence.

Dr Mthembu said government’s decision not to sponsor students in the media studies was tantamount to suicide.

He said a journalist in this age and era, had to be equipped with skills to better understand his role in society.

"Concepts such as press freedom and responsibility, are addressed in depth in programmes such as the one offered by our department.

"We would like to reiterate the importance of journalism in any society in the 21st century," said Dr Mthembu.

He said it raises eyebrows when the Ministry of Labour and Social Security takes a decision to sponsor students studying public relations in a privately-owned university, but fails to sponsor students doing the similar course at UNISWA.

Dr Mthembu said they would be happy to get clarification on the criteria used in taking such a decision.

"Journalism is one of the pillars of development. If Swaziland strives to attain development, it should embrace press freedom and allow divergent views in the media and also allow freedom of the media" said Mthembu.

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