The Times Editorial: The ruling party has finally made public a discussion document on its proposed media appeals tribunal. The document, which has been prepared for approval by the ANC national general council in Durban this September, makes a number of familiar party accusations against the media.

These include the claim that the print media operate like "a protection racket" and that the ownership of commercial publications is still concentrated in the hands of whites. The ANC further lambastes journalists for "an astonishing degree of dishonesty, lack of professional integrity and lack of independence".

It then proposes that the tribunal be set up as a means to balance the right to freedom of speech with the right to equality, privacy and human dignity.

Though the ANC's proposals should be of concern to every freedom-loving South African, the publication of this document should be welcomed as it provides an opportunity for constructive engagement.

Too often, controversial ruling party proposals - such as the disbanding of the corruption-busting Scorpions - are allowed to take root within the ANC and the echelons of government without much public scrutiny.

By the time they reach Parliament, they have become a fait accompli because the ANC enjoys an unassailable majority in the National Assembly.

It is, therefore, crucial that citizens begin now to raise their objections to clauses of the discussion document that would limit the freedom of the media. Those in the ANC who regard freedom of expression as a necessary ingredient in building a successful democracy should now use their voice within the party to ensure that this right is not eroded. For the rest of us, let us use any avenue possible to show Luthuli House that such a move against the press would not be welcomed.