African governments have the task of rapidly rolling out infrastructure to promote access to information, says deputy communications minister Obed Bapela.
Speaking at the Pan African Conference on Access to Information, Bapela said there were three main topics to be discussed.
These are the right of access to information and practical access through ICTs; promotion of access to information among various roles players in society; and continental and international engagements in enlisting support at the Africa Union, Unesco and the UN General Assembly.
“Issues of media freedom and access to information are a challenge to the community of people globally,” said Bapela.
He added that this year 27 media workers were killed throughout the world, some are languishing in prison cells, and in some parts of the world press and media freedom is barred.
“I wish to argue that media and press freedom is not the domain of the media alone; it is a societal issue, government included. I believe the media in particular does not expect government to be a spectator in the discourse regarding the role of the media and freedom of the media.
“Governments' role in this discourse cannot be relegated to role of a stepchild. Governments will have a direct interest in how we shape and locate the role of the media within the context of access to information and freedom to receive or impart knowledge or ideas.”
Tech answer
Internet and smartphones presents an opportunity for governments to accelerate efforts to continually promote access to information, especially to people in rural areas.
“The majority of our population is using various social media networks and through such platforms we can communicate and promote access to information and in various respects this will help organisations to communicate better with society and stakeholders.”
Bapela said social media is one platform that can enhance communication and begin to shape the thoughts of society as society evolves.
“Our major task as African governments is to ensure that we rapidly roll out info-infrastructure to promote access to information and promote free flow of information and ideas.”
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