The establishment of a state-controlled media watchdog will have a "devastating impact" not only in South Africa but o n the continent as a whole.

Making a submission at the Press Freedom Commission, in Johannesburg yesterday, advocate Pansy Tlakula said the government must be careful to choose the right mechanism with which to regulate the print media because other African countries, which look up to our constitution, might follow suit.

Tlakula, who is also chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, spoke on behalf of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights.

"Our country is regarded by many, and particularly on the continent, as one of the leading lights when it comes to press freedom and the freedom of expression.

"And I have been working very hard in the six years that I have been special rapporteur to lobby other African countries to adopt self-regulatory frameworks."

"I think we have to be alive to the fact that whatever framework this country adopts will have a huge impact on the rest of the continent because many African countries still look up to us," she said.

"I have a feeling freedom of expression is under severe attack on the continent."

In strengthening a self-regulated media there should be a focus on training journalists; addressing the juniorisation of newsrooms and improving conditions of service for journalists to improve the standard of reporting , Tlakula said.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said the ANC's proposal for a media appeals tribunal is a threat to the free flow of information.

Madonsela said reviewing the Press Code and strengthening the Press Ombudsman's office was the best way to address the weaknesses and challenges in the media.

The ANC proposed during its submission on Tuesday that media regulation should involve parliament in an oversight role.

Madonsela disagreed with the ANC proposal, saying: "It would be a problem to have oversight by parliament."

She said politicians cannot be given an oversight role because they have a vested interest in what is reported by the media, especially when it exposes corruption.

Madonsela said the Press Ombudsman should continue to be funded by the print media but be independent from the Press Council, which she said looked after the interests of its members .

"Basically, we are talking about a structure with its own identity, issues its own annual report and that [its office] is not in the same premises with the press," she said.