World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day History

World Press Freedom Day serves to highlight the importance of a free and independent press in enhancing democracies and overall societal health worldwide. The Observance day is specifically designed to honour the principles of press freedom, evaluate its current state globally, advocate for the protection of press rights, and remember those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of truth and transparency. This day emphasises the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression, holding governments to account, and promoting openness and transparency.

World Press Freedom Day has significant importance in South Africa, a country with a complex history regarding press freedom. The UN General Assembly declared 3 May as the World Press Freedom Day in 1993, following recommendations from African journalists who participated in the 26th session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991 in Namibia. South Africa's press has been a crucial player in the fight against apartheid, preserving democratic values and safeguarding humans rights. The day is particularly resonant in South Africa, underlining the need for a robust, free, and impartial press, crucial for fair reporting on government actions, encouraging informed citizenry, and nurturing democratic participation.

In South Africa, World Press Freedom Day is officially observed with various activities promoting press freedom. Events like workshops, forums, and discussions are organised by different stakeholders, including media organisations, to bring attention to the critical role of free press. These activities serve as a reminder of the need to respect journalists' rights, prevent violations against press freedom, and ensure that there are credible platforms for journalists to report unbiased and factual information. World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on 3 May, demonstrating South Africa's unwavering commitment to maintaining press freedom and the importance of a vibrant media landscape in upholding democratic principles.

Facts about World Press Freedom Day

• The theme for World Press Freedom Day in 2025 was A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis. In 2024 the theme was A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.
  In 2023 the theme was Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights.
• According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. – Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• In the World Press Freedom Index 2021, South Africa was ranked 32 out of 180 countries, reflecting its continued commitment to maintain a free press. This occasion is often used as a benchmark to assess the country's progress towards maintaining press freedom.
• The Protection of State Information Bill, also known as the “Secrecy Bill”, has been a significant point of contention for press freedom in South Africa. Critics argue that the bill, which was passed in 2013 but has yet to be signed into law, could criminalise investigative journalism and hide corruption.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Press Freedom Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Press Freedom Day

• Get your inner journalist active on social media. The internet has given birth to a citizen journalist movement that harnesses the power of millions who previously had no voice. We all have cameras in our pockets and access to an audience of millions on social media.
• Attend an event. There are dozens of events celebrating WPFD, these conferences bring together journalists and media workers to discuss current issues. UNESCO offers more info.
• Visit the The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, a powerful tribute to the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa. The museum's exhibits provide a valuable context for understanding the role of the press in the country's history, particularly during apartheid.
• Watch Biko: A Cry for Freedom (1980) -A documentary film that chronicles the life and death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, who was an important champion of press freedom in South Africa.