Giving a voice
http://www.witness.co.za/default.asp?myAction=detail&myRef=53121&myCat=opinion

A crucial task of the media in a democratic society is to publicise the plight of ordinary citizens faced with the unreasonable exercise of power, whether by government or business. This week?s story in The Witness putting the other side of the saga involving the demolition in Pietermaritzburg of Akoo's Flats and a neighbouring house is a case in point.

The evicted tenants emphasised that while they might be poor, they are not stupid. They are also capable of reading the newspaper and, indeed, contributing to it. As a result, a more rounded and complete picture of events has now been offered. It is clear that at least some of the occupants of the two buildings were subjected to a forced removal that belonged more to the apartheid era than to a democracy and had little respect for people's human rights and dignity.

Defenders of media freedom are sometimes regarded with exasperation. The press is often criticised for its conduct, sometimes with justification, but it has earned the description of the fourth estate for good reasons. Without it, people would lose a significant part of their defence against the unilateral actions of the powerful and the rich. This may be too late for the inhabitants of Akoo's Flats, but coverage of their experience could prevent a repetition.

In the hierarchy of rights, freedom of information is generally relegated to a third tier behind civil, political and socio-economic matters. But without it, the people will never govern and democracy will remain an unfulfilled hope.

Published: 15 June 2007