In May of 2024, the Press Council of South Africa brought together members of various press and media councils from across the African Continent for the inaugural African Media Councils Meeting. The meeting was attended in person and online, by veteran journalists, academics, and media experts.
The 13 African countries which were represented at the conference were South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, eSwatini, Uganda and Namibia.
In a truly pan-African fashion, critical issues faced by the councils were dissected in a bid to share solutions and knowledge. The councils, some voluntary, others statutory and otherwise constituted, addressed the financial sustainability of councils, the credibility of journalism in today’s digital climate, and the governance of digital platforms and companies. Also on the agenda was the effective regulation of the media by organisations and institutions such as press councils.
With Support from KAS Media Africa, UNESCO and MENAR, to name a few, an environment for robust exchange and debate was fostered, and the opportunity to network with peers from South, West and East Africa was created. To cement this gathering and create the possibility of continuous engagement on topical issues, the African Media Councils formed the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) following this meeting.
In a press release dated Friday, 17 May 2024, NIMCA’s establishment was announced, with its purpose identified as being “for the professional media to report, freely, and without fear of reprisals while at the same time being accountable for living up to journalistic ethical standards and codes of practice”. Further, NIMCA seeks to “bring together independent media content regulators from around the continent and to convene regularly to discuss the strengthening of media freedom, ethics and public accountability on the continent”. In the statement, the newly formed body extended an invitation to other independent media regulation organisation to join them and as they forge a new path forward in protecting journalistic ethics and values in the media community in Africa.
KAS Media Africa congratulates the newly appointed Executive Board of NIMCA and extends its unwavering support as it carves out its new role. We look forward to a continued relationship with the members of NIMCA and will support the 2025 meeting in Tanzania.
