Upbeat talks on info bill

A MEETING between the government and the media ended yesterday with both parties agreeing to direct their energies towards "building national pride and self-belief without stifling critical public debate".

SA National Editors' Forum (Sanef) chairman Mondli Makhanya told delegates: "We want a South Africa that is free of corruption. The media is one of the most vital players in this project. Can we arrive at a broad understanding that the objective is not to paint the state as a corrupt enterprise, but to safeguard the integrity of the republic?"

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said in his opening address: "I wish to once again reiterate that the South African government remains fully committed to the constitution and that it has no intention of doing anything whatsoever that may undermine freedom of expression."

Makhanya said of the Protection of Information Bill: "We remain convinced that, as South Africans, we will be able to fashion a piece of legislation that serves the interests and security of the republic and does not compromise the citizenry's constitutional rights to be informed."