UNESCO supports South Sudanese delegation to gain new insights on media development during learning visit to South Africa

Regulatory bodies and community broadcasters

Meetings with the Press Council, the Broadcasting Complaints Commission, the South African National Editors' Forum and the Information Regulator offered delegates an in-depth look at how media oversight and self-regulation function. Jany said the sessions helped clarify the importance of professional standards, saying: "The Press Council demonstrated how effective self-regulation protects both journalists and the public."

The delegation also visited JOZi FM, a community radio station in Soweto known for its strong listener base and community involvement. Staff explained how the station had grown from a volunteer initiative into a fully fledged broadcaster with sustainable revenue sources.

For Emmanuel Gumbiri, Chair of the Board of Terekeka Community Radio, the visit highlighted several lessons. "Patriotism is shown in action across the board, from civil society to government and enterprises, and this makes work effective," he said. He also pointed to the discipline he observed in the institutions they met. "Institutional and financial discipline is a cornerstone for success. Everyone seems to stick to plans and budgets drawn up according to laws." He also said that the independence of institutions, supported by a strong legal framework, helps them to carry out their mandates with confidence and accountability.

Applying the lessons learned to South Sudan

As the visit concluded, delegates agreed that many of the practices they observed could be implemented to help strengthen South Sudan's media environment, particularly in regulation, public communication, community broadcasting and ethical journalism.

Hon. Undersecretary Mawien Bulabek Chol Deng underscored how the visit will support the media sector: "We are going to work on capacity, in cooperation with South Africa. This will help the media play its key role as we advance towards a general election in South Sudan."
Jany reflected on the broader value of the mission. "I return home better equipped to promote ethical journalism, stronger media-government relations and a more independent media landscape in South Sudan," he said.

UNESCO will continue supporting the government to strengthen media institutions, enhance the safety of journalists and build an information landscape that is resilient and inclusive for all communities in South Sudan, in partnership with JICA and other partners.