Preparing the Media for the 2024 South African Elections: The Electoral Commission and SANEF Training Initiative

To ensure that the media is well-prepared for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections in South Africa, the Electoral Commission and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) organized a ‘Media in Elections’ training session on August 8, 2023. The training aimed to educate journalists and editors on the provisions of the Electoral Amendment Act, which is the new legal framework that will govern the upcoming elections.

Outlining the Electoral Commission’s Road to the 2024 Elections

Over 80 journalists and editors gathered in Johannesburg to attend the training session. The Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sy Mamabolo, led the presentation on the road to the 2024 elections. The Deputy CEO for Electoral Operations, Masego Sheburi, discussed the impact of the Electoral Amendment Act on operations and elaborated on the regulation amendments that the Electoral Commission had published for public comment.

Insights into Political Party Funding Act

George Mahlangu, the Electoral Commission’s Deputy CEO responsible for Political Party Funding, shared the Commission’s successes and challenges during the first year of implementing the Political Party Funding Act. Advocate Rekha Raath, a Senior Manager in the Commission’s Legal Services department, explained the Electoral Court’s role, the Electoral Code of Conduct, and the prohibited conduct during elections. Raath also emphasized the vital role of media in elections.

Efforts to Eradicate Misinformation and Disinformation

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), in association with the Electoral Commission and social media platforms, presented its efforts to eradicate misinformation and disinformation during the election period. MMA provided journalists with resources to enhance their election coverage.

Electoral Guidelines for Broadcasters, Print, and Digital Media

The Press Council of South Africa and SANEF provided electoral guidelines for broadcasters, print, and digital media. The Electoral Commission and SANEF plan to hold similar training sessions in other provinces, with details to be announced soon.

The Importance of Proactive Steps

The media plays an essential role in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of an election process. By partnering with SANEF, the Electoral Commission is taking proactive steps to ensure that journalists and editors are well-informed and equipped to cover the upcoming elections with a greater understanding of the Electoral Amendment Act and its implications.

This initiative benefits not only media professionals but also the public, who rely on accurate and unbiased information to make informed decisions during elections. The training emphasizes the need for a responsible and well-prepared media landscape to sustain and strengthen South Africa’s democratic system.

The Significance of Collaborations

Collaborations like the one between the Electoral Commission and SANEF are crucial, as they represent a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of a stronger and more resilient democracy in South Africa.

As the country gets closer to the 2024 elections, the importance of training sessions like the one held in Johannesburg becomes evident. The media, armed with the knowledge and resources shared during these sessions, will be well-equipped to keep the public informed and keep the democratic process in South Africa robust and thriving.