Diversify local media: EFF

The EFF will fight for the diversification of the local media, the party's elective conference in Bloemfontein heard.

"We have agreed to fight for the diversification in terms of ownership and control of media," George Nyakama told delegates at the University of the Free State.

"We must also fight for the strengthening of the press council and ombudsmen."

He was reporting back to delegates on discussions by a commission on media and the battle for ideas.

He said it was decided that an independent commission be established to investigate what he said was Parliament's manipulation of SABC news. The time allocated to political parties should be reviewed and at least 30 percent of the SABC's content should be local.

Nyakama added that the party should launch its own radio station and newspaper.

"There should be an initiative to establish EFF radio and television online, with people accessing it via mobile technology devices."

A commission on international relations said Swaziland's citizens were living under an oppressive system worse than apartheid.

"The Swazis are experiencing the worst oppression... worse than apartheid under Mswati," party member Vuyisile Schoeman told delegates.

King Mswati III has ruled Swaziland since 1986.

The EFF took a special resolution to campaign for the release of all political prisoners in that country.

"We need to isolate Swaziland's elite who invest here in South Africa... we shouldn't buy their products," he said.