SECTOR 1 1.5 Print publications are not required to obtain permission to publish from state authorities. Print publications are not required to obtain permission from state authorities to publish. “In this regard, we are world-class. We can set up a rag in any corner of town.” 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: 5.0 (2010: 4.9; 2008: n/a; 2006: n/a) 1.6 Confidential sources of information are protected by law and/or the courts. Although no law in South Africa guarantees journalists’ confidentiality of sources, in practice journalistic sources are well-protected by the courts. This is despite the existence of Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act,17 which empowers courts to imprison anyone who refuses to give information relating to a criminal investigation. Anyone can be subpoenaed by a court to produce evidence, not just confidential sources, relating to a crime. Despite pressure from the South African National Editor’s Forum and agreement by the state that it would amend this section, no such amendment has been made. Panellists noted that although courts tend to protect journalists, there are other ways in which their confidential sources may be undermined, such as the practice of public officials confiscating equipment, including cameras, as happened in May 2013 when a Home Affairs official attempted to delete photographs from a journalist’s camera. 17 South Africa. Criminal Procedure, Act 51 of 1977. 20 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2013