SANEF GALA DINNER - SESI BALOYI SC Madlanga Commissioner Baloyi has highlighted the critical role of the media in a democracy. She praised the media’s real-time coverage of the Commission’s work, saying journalists have an exceptionally wide reach and platforms accessible to virtually everyone. Key points from his address: Watchdog role: The media must investigate corruption and hold those in power accountable. Public dialogue: Journalism creates space for debate and highlights pressing social issues. Media bias: Journalists must examine their own biases, acknowledge them and ensure reporting is fair. Reliable information: Citizens must have access to accurate facts to make informed decisions. Diverse voices: The media must not silence views it disagrees with. It must defend the right of others to express differing opinions. Community media: Local and community newspapers play a vital role in amplifying local voices and deserve better funding. Social media: Its reach and influence cannot be denied. Public debates arising from the Madlanga Commission’s testimony demonstrate its potential as a powerful tool. Accountability: The media also gets things wrong and must be held accountable when it does. Baloyi also questioned why local media had not picked up the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis earlier, stressing the importance of journalists being firmly rooted in the communities they serve. Her message was clear: the media has enormous power and responsibility, but that power must be exercised fairly, independently and in the public interest. Ultimately, she says, it is the citizens who must decide what the future should look like. @SAEditorsForum #Sanef30