Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Her Excellency Ms Boemo Sekgoma. Photo: National Assembly of Angola
Moses Magadza
As the world marked Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2024, the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Her Excellency Ms Boemo Sekgoma, called on the world’s parliaments to facilitate a free press saying it is good for democracy.
“On World Press Freedom Day, we appreciate the indispensable role that the press or media play in nurturing democracy, itself an imperative in socio-economic development,” she said.
She added: “On this day, we spare a thought for the many journalists who passed on in the course of duty and we appreciate the many journalists who remain committed to professional journalism.”
The SG said the press plays an important role in strengthening democracy through “monitoring, facilitating, collaborating and being on the side of the marginalised and voiceless in our communities”.
She however warned that the press would fail in its mandate without support. She challenged parliaments to play their part.
“Indeed, our parliaments all over the world can and should render this support so that the press continues to benefit everyone,” she concluded.
