A veteran journalist and media activists, Mr Raymond Louw, made an earnest appeal in his graduation address at Rhodes University to all South Africans to exercise maximum vigilance over the government’s action in relations to the judiciary and the Constitution as well as in regard to secrecy and restrictive legislation.
“If there is a hint of unconstitutional conduct people must protest loudly and long. The Constitution Court is the last line of defence to preserve press freedom – indeed all our freedoms. We must prevent South African being rated “not free” – which would mean our descent into an authoritarian, if not worse,” added Louw.
He said the really worrying aspect of government-media relations is the threat by government and senior African National Congress (ANC) leaders of curbs against the judiciary and the Constitutional Court.
“These leaders with President Jacob Zuma at the forefront have set alarm bells ringing among journalists and lawyers as well as academics – many in this institution – because of their stated intention to review the judgments and conduct of the Constitutional Court and their impact on transformation,” said Louw.
He said, despite the recent publication of the terms of reference for the review of the judiciary which emphasise judicial independence, the separation of powers and the supremacy of the constitution, there are grave doubts about the government’s real motives.
The interpretation of the government view is to reduce the powers of Constitutional Court judges so that they are subservient to parliament.
Louw said if this is what the government view means; this will be the end of Constitutional democracy in South Africa.
The published terms of reference for the review suggest this is not intended. Some observers, however, describe this as a tactical retreat by the government because of the massive opposition it has encountered.
Rhodes University conferred Doctor of Literature (DLitt) on Louw, at the Faculty of Humanities graduation ceremony on Friday, 13 April.
Addressing the audience, he said he is humbled to be joining the exceptional people the University has honoured in the past.
“Adding to my great pleasure is the fact that this honour comes from Rhodes University, a proud institution that has excelled in furthering the cause of journalism, professional media conduct, freedom of the press and freedom of expression all related to freedom of academic endevour,” Louw said.
Recognition of Louw from Rhodes University constitutes an appropriate appreciation for a life that has been exemplary in terms of standing up for principles of great benefit to society at large.
Louw is someone who symbolises to the wider society the value of media freedom and the need to be vigilant in defending it.
Over decades, Louw has come to symbolise the cause and merit of media freedom in this country. He is also well known in the African continent and internationally for championing media freedom.