In the spirit of advancement and protection of press freedom, Cabinet, this week, approved the Access to Information bill as well as numerous reforms in the country’s media landscape.

While the Bill is not necessarily designed to benefit the media only, the Fourth Estate is one of the sectors that stands to gain more, since its vibrancy largely relies on the availability of information.

Journalists have the responsibility to strengthen the foundations of good governance in the country– transparency and accountability – and to assist the ordinary citizen to understand national programmes as well as challenges, in order for them to play their rightful role in the development of the country.

The role of the media in educating the masses cannot be ignored.  They play a vital role in keeping the people accurately informed, enabling them to make correct decisions.

With the Access to information legislation, the media’s role of promoting accountability and enhancing transparency will be boosted.

Discussions around the implementation of the Bill should take centre stage to sensitize both the leaders and the public about the importance of the Law and how everybody stands to benefit from it.

Given the importance of the Bill, it is imperative that its legislation is treated as a priority.

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