SECTOR 2

Several years ago the Cape Times ran a campaign “One City – Many Cultures”
which tried to portray the rich diversity of cultures in Cape Town. The effort
petered out because of the cost of hiring good writers and allowing them the space
they needed to tell their stories.
City Press is aiming at a black readership which is politically aware: “If readers are
interested in following the intrigues of the ruling party and the different fights
within the ANC factions they will rush to buy the City Press”. It is currently
trying to change its ethnic profile and increasingly white readers are starting to
buy the paper.
The SABC with its 11 public radio stations, each dedicated to one of the official
languages, ironically finds itself in something of a catch-22 situation. While all
these languages do indeed have to be catered for, doing so on different stations
serves to perpetuate the language and ethnic divides in the country.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator.

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score: 			

2.2 (2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a)

2.9
The country has a coherent ICT policy, which
aims to meet the information needs of all citizens,
including marginalised communities.
There are various pieces of legislation which touch on areas of ICT but there is
no consolidated or coherent ICT policy or vision provided by the Department of
Communications.
South Africa desperately needs a proper policy process with wide public
participation, starting with a green paper and moving on to a white paper. This

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2010

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