Enhancing Access to Information through Community Media in South Africa
Posted: 28 August, 2024 Filed under: Hlengiwe Dube | Tags: Access to Information, accessibility, accurate information, community broadcasters, Community Media, cultural practices, Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, democratic participation, diversity, essential information, inclusivity, informed decision-making, International Federation of Journalists, linguistic preferences, local issues, mainstream media, religious information, right to freedom of expression, South Africa Leave a comment
Author: Hlengiwe Dube
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
Introduction
South Africa’s community media sector plays a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs and interests of its various geographic and interest-based communities by ensuring access to relevant and accurate information. These media outlets are dedicated to developing and disseminating content that reflects local issues, cultural practices, and linguistic preferences. This localised approach ensures that content is tailored to the immediate needs and interests of specific communities, which is vital for community engagement and empowerment. By focusing on the specific concerns and interests of their audiences, community media provides essential information that might not be covered by mainstream media, reinforcing the public’s right to access crucial information. This access supports informed decision-making and strengthens local identity, promoting active civic participation and contributing to the overall resilience and cohesion of the community.
COVID-19: How more access to the internet can reduce existing barriers for women’s rights in Africa
Posted: 4 May, 2020 Filed under: Nelly Warega, Tomiwa Ilori | Tags: Access to Information, access to information online, Africa, civil society organisations, coronavirus, COVID-19, CSOs, digital platforms, digital skills, domestic violence, health services, inequalities, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, internet access, Kenya, Lagos State Government Health Service Commission, lockdown, mainstream media, maternal health, maternal mortality, Mozambique, Nigeria, pandemic, PPE, PPEs, smart phones, South Africa, Uganda, women's rights Leave a comment
Authors: Nelly Warega* and Tomiwa Ilori**
*Legal Advisor, Women’s Link Worldwide
**Doctoral researcher, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
On 17 April 2020, a Twitter user tweeted about a hospital in Lagos that demanded personal protective equipment (PPE) from a woman seeking to give birth at the facility. The incident, according to the user happened at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, under the Lagos State Government Health Service Commission. The PPEs have become important for health workers given the surge in transmission COVID-19 across the world. However, despite the rising demand and scarcity of PPEs, a conversation on the propriety of placing the burden of procurement of PPEs on expectant mothers is vital.
AfricLaw 