Accra:The government has paid tribute to the journalists, editors, publishers, and media workers who stood firmly against apartheid as South Africa commemorates Black Wednesday, also known as National Press Freedom Day.

According to South African Government News Agency, on October 19, 1977, the apartheid regime banned publications such as The World and Weekend World and detained journalists, including The World editor Percy Qoboza, in an effort to silence independent voices exposing the injustices and brutality of apartheid.

Government officials highlighted the courage and unwavering commitment of these media professionals to truth, which contributed significantly to the struggle for freedom, justice, and democracy. Their legacy emphasizes the critical role of media freedom in an open and accountable society, a principle enshrined in the Constitution.

The commemoration of Black Wednesday reaffirms the importance of protecting the hard-won freedoms of all South Africans. The government emphasized that protecting press freedom requires respect for constitutional rights and a collective commitment to an informed citizenry. This includes ensuring journalists can perform their duties without facing intimidation, threats, harassment, or violence.

In line with this, the government reiterated its commitment to strengthening engagement with the media fraternity and promoting transparent, accessible, and accountable communication with the public. As the country enters an electioneering period, a free and independent media is deemed vital to the democratic process, ensuring citizens have access to accurate, timely, and accessible information for making informed choices about the country's future.

The government also acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the rapid spread of unverified claims on social media, urging citizens to seek information from credible media houses.