The UN Celebrates World Press Freedom Day with the Eswatini Editors Forum

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 as an annual commemoration to be held on 3rd May. It is a day in which Governments acknowledge their commitment to press freedom; and journalists and other media professionals express their concerns regarding press freedom and professional ethics.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme for the Kingdom of Eswatini was; “Keeping Power in Check” and served to reflect on the importance of acknowledging journalists and media practitioners as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration explored the many challenges that journalists face in their line of duty during the pandemic, as did it celebrate inspiring, brave and courageous Emaswati journalists.

Channel YemaSwati TV Editor, Khanyi Mabuza, shared her inspirational testimonial on the impact of COVID-19 in her professional, social and spiritual lives, as well as her health and emotions. Ms Mabuza shared how she feared the stigma and discrimination associated with COVID-19 after she contracted the disease, and therefore felt that she couldn’t disclose her illness to colleagues, family and friends. Members of the audience gave Ms Mabuza a standing ovation as she shared her story honestly and courageously.

Audience members continued to reflect on the many issues faced by journalists during the pandemic, with journalist, Zwelethhu Dlamini, expressing his concern that journalists are not considered as frontline workers in Eswatini and had to continue reporting on developments of the COVID-19 pandemic without PPE to protect themselves from infection.

Psychologist, Siyabonga Mabuza, inspired the audience with powerful tools for journalists to preserve their identity and values amidst difficult circumstances, highlighting the criticality for journalists to take care of their mental health through access to regular counselling, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, stated that: “During the pandemic, and in other crises, journalists and media workers help us navigate a fast-changing and often overwhelming landscape of information, while addressing dangerous inaccuracies and falsehoods.”

The Global theme for World Press Freedom Day: “Information as a Public Good,” encourages the importance of viewing information as a public good and looks at ways in which the production, distribution and reception of content can strengthen journalism and advance transparency.

The Editors Forum Chairperson, Mr Mbongeni Mbingo, addressed this theme and acknowledged that Media Freedom is still an issue whilst access to information remains one of the biggest challenges in journalism. Mr Mbingo emphasized the important role that print media journalism plays in combating fake news and providing verified information.

The UN Resident Coordinator continued, saying: “It is worrying that, according the 2021 Press Gazette, 70 percent of the global population still have very little media freedom. Censorship and intimidation continue to threaten the journalism profession and freedom of the media. Last year, an approximate 59 media workers were killed, whilst over the past decade, one journalist lost his/her life every four days. It is clear that journalists need protection: one journalist losing their life is one too many.”