Pretoria: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to a free and vibrant press in South Africa. This announcement aligns with the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, which this year is celebrated under the theme: 'Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.'

According to South African Government News Agency, South Africa continues to lead the continent in terms of media freedom, being the highest-ranked African nation in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. This index, published by Reporters Without Borders, places South Africa 21st out of 180 countries globally, highlighting its commitment to maintaining a robust media environment.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) emphasized the significance of this year's World Press Freedom Day as an opportunity to leverage the media's power to shape narratives that foster global peace and human rights. The government expressed its appreciation for media institutions dedicated to fair and ethical journalism and reiterated the significant responsibility the media holds in delivering accurate and verified information to the public.