Shared Purpose
Mamela member organisations use the Mamela.org platform to amplify the voices of organisations from the marginalised majority and provide journalists with sources of news and comment beyond the echo chamber of South Africa’s urban elite.
Shared Context
The Constitution of South Africa grants everyone the right to freedom of expression, which includes, Freedom of the press and other media, freedom to receive and impart information or ideas; freedom of artistic creativity; academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.
We enjoy legally protected freedom of expression because of peoples struggle for democracy. It is a right we must practise, celebrate, defend and advance;
Freedom of expression does not extend to:propaganda for war; incitement of imminent violence; or advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm.
Freedom of expression in South Africa is more a privilege than a right as the voices of the marginalised majority and progressive civil society are grossly underrepresented in the mass media that shapes the national discourse.
Mass media newsrooms are understaffed as owners seek to cut costs and maximise profits. Otherwise professional ethical journalists lack the resources to report and are overly dependent on the Public Relations industry and ‘official sources’’ from government, big business and the academy for news and comment.
Shared Values
Mamela members are a family of organisations committed to equality, gender liberation, anti-racism, solidarity, participatory democracy, environmental and economic justice.
Commitment to accuracy, truthfulness & integrity
To serve as a reliable and credible source of news and comment, we commit ourselves to accuracy & truthfulness and integrity. This means
- We will only publish content that is accurate and factual;
- We will not omit any pertinent facts;
- Will will only share options that are mandated by our organisations
- We will be open and responsive to all feedback including complaints as per our Accountability and Feedback Procedure.
Legal Liability
Mamela is an internet platform and legal liability for content posted rests with the organisation that posted said content.