Journalists call for minimum wage, better working conditions
A pressing need for better working conditions and fair pay forms part of a declaration signed by media stakeholders at a media convention held in May in Zambia.
The Lusaka Declaration, approved by delegates who attended the second African Media Convention last month, highlights the urgent need for a minimum wage for journalists and improved working conditions.
The call for a minimum wage emerged as one of the key recommendations put forth by the convention attendees.
The convention gathered journalists, media executives and government officials from across Africa to discuss crucial issues concerning the media industry.
Approach authorities
While the Namibian government has not yet made a definitive statement regarding the implementation of minimum wages for journalists, Audrin Mathe from the information ministry confirmed the role of the labour ministry in regulating labour relations.
"If the fraternity feels a need, then that would be the right approach. However, individual employers have a responsibility to provide sound incentives to their staff," Mathe said.
Needs highlighted
Several recommendations aimed at promoting independent journalism and maintaining high standards in the media industry were put forward at the convention.
These include the establishment of a pan-African media fund to support independent journalism, the creation of a regional media council responsible for monitoring and upholding media standards, and the development of a comprehensive code of ethics for journalists, as well as a recommendation urging the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2013 African Model Law on Access to Information.
The convention emphasised the need for alignment with the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa and adapting it to address the challenges posed by the digital age.
The Lusaka Declaration, approved by delegates who attended the second African Media Convention last month, highlights the urgent need for a minimum wage for journalists and improved working conditions.
The call for a minimum wage emerged as one of the key recommendations put forth by the convention attendees.
The convention gathered journalists, media executives and government officials from across Africa to discuss crucial issues concerning the media industry.
Approach authorities
While the Namibian government has not yet made a definitive statement regarding the implementation of minimum wages for journalists, Audrin Mathe from the information ministry confirmed the role of the labour ministry in regulating labour relations.
"If the fraternity feels a need, then that would be the right approach. However, individual employers have a responsibility to provide sound incentives to their staff," Mathe said.
Needs highlighted
Several recommendations aimed at promoting independent journalism and maintaining high standards in the media industry were put forward at the convention.
These include the establishment of a pan-African media fund to support independent journalism, the creation of a regional media council responsible for monitoring and upholding media standards, and the development of a comprehensive code of ethics for journalists, as well as a recommendation urging the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2013 African Model Law on Access to Information.
The convention emphasised the need for alignment with the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa and adapting it to address the challenges posed by the digital age.
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