Popia promotes responsible reporting

The Protection of Personal Information (Popi) Act isn’t an obstacle to press freedom since it allows journalists to keep doing their jobs – as long as they act responsibly.

This is according to legal expert Helene Viljoen, director of legal consultancy Helene Viljoen Incorporated.

She said this on Wednesday during an interview with Rekord on the Commemoration of World Freedom Press Day.

According to Viljoen, the act is a guideline to help journalists be responsible when dealing with personal information as does the South African Press Code.

She said the media and journalists played a crucial role in informing the public, and holding those entrusted with power accountable. Viljoen added that the press also promoted transparency and democracy.

“They provide a vital check on abuses of power. This is why they are sometimes called the watchdogs of society.

“In informing us on issues of the day, the media shape public discourse. They empower us with the information we need to make decisions – personally and in our communities.”

Legally, she said South African journalists had the right to produce and share news, a right which she said was enshrined in the country’s constitution.

Viljoen, however, said some obstacles hindered journalists from performing their duties effectively, pointing out things such as intimidation and threats.

“When crime abounds as it often does in South Africa, our safety is compromised. This is often directly experienced by journalists who are out there on the frontlines and often on the receiving end,” she emphasised.

She was especially concerned about whistle-blower protection in South Africa, saying that it was extremely dangerous for them as there was not enough protection for them to be able to speak up freely to the media and authorities.

“We know that newsrooms are struggling financially and their resources are limited. This is a problem that some argue has been exacerbated by the dominance of big data.”

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