• On-the-job training and mentorship programmes need to be established in all media houses to ensure entry-level reporters are given sufficient direction and guidance. • Civic education on freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom needs to be conducted by the media and civil society organisations. • The law reform process needs to be launched to ensure all media unfriendly laws are repealed or amended to conform with the Constitution. The establishment of a law reform commission should be fast-tracked. • A national conference on law reform should be conducted to produce an action plan and way forward on the law reform process. • The consultation process on the six draft bills needs to continue with a new consultant and should include a broader base of stakeholders. • The Media Complaints Commission should be made fully operational and sustainable. The panel meeting took place at Nhlangano Hotel from July 27-29 2007. The Panel: Phepisa Khoza, news editor, Thandi Khumalo, sociologist, Alec Lushaba, editor, Comfort Mabuza, media activist, Myzo Magagula, media manager (print), Cyril Maphanga, lawyer, Vusi Sibisi, journalist, Bongiwe Zwane, journalist,. The Rapporteur: Mrs Mary Ellen Rogers The Facilitator: Mr Hendrik Bussiek So This Is Democracy? 2007 -250- Media Institute of Southern Africa