It seems Zuma's administration views the fourth estate as an enemy and opposition, rather than a stakeholder.

The ANC has revived its campaign for a media appeals tribunal.

The party is totally unhappy with the media's self- regulating mechanism, which it feels does not do justice to those who are offended and violated by the media.

The ongoing public hearings, which are chaired by former chief justice Pius Langa, are proving that the public is not in favour of the proposed media appeals tribunal.

It appears that there is consensus that the print media's self-regulating mechanism should be improved.

There is no denying that the media has its flaws, just like any other institution. But that doesn't mean we should use its imperfection to weaken it.

We need a strong and empowered media in order to enhance our democracy.

The ruling party remains uncomfortable with the fact that media ownership is still predominantly white. And as such, the media supposedly continues to push the agenda of the white capitalists.

It is true that transformation in the media is sluggish, if not stagnant.

The minorities continue to own the media, which plays a very crucial role in our democracy.

There is, indeed, a need for the deracialisation of media ownership.

It is a fact that there are more black editors in the print media than before.

And this is a step in the right direction. It is unfortunate that the media remains a "boys club", meaning that women are still marginalised in this industry. That said, as much as it is important to have more black editors, it is also equally important to have blacks owning the media.

Isn't it time the ANC change its attitude towards the print media?

The party cannot continue to be indifferent and treat the media with suspicion, as it did during the height of apartheid. Times have changed, and so should the party.

The fourth estate is a stakeholder which plays a different but vital role in our society. And the ruling party should view it as an ally, not an enemy.