PRETORIA,Government has expressed sadness at the loss of life in the media fraternity saying journalists play a critical role in strengthening democracy.

The deaths of dynamic media personalities makes the media profession poorer. The industry, and in particular journalists, should play a critical role in shaping public discourse, equipping citizens with information, and strengthening the country’s democracy, said Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo.

The Minister’s comments follow the deaths of SABC journalist Suna Venter and field camerawoman Zama Mbalo.

Their passing follows the recent deaths of journalist and 50/50 producer Johann Botha and veteran photographer Ranjith Kally.

Minister Dlodlo said the South African government believes in free press and media freedom as guaranteed under the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution.

It is one of the fundamental values of our democracy that media practitioners should be allowed to practice their craft without fear or intimidation whilst upholding the highest degree of journalistic ethics. These four journalists we have lost, have been amongst those who embodied this spirit, said Minister Dlodlo.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK