MAHLATSE MAHLASE: Defending media freedom in SA is a continuous battle 29 days ago At an event to mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, the following speech was delivered by South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) secretary general Mahlatse Mahlase. We join the world in marking World Press Freedom Day – an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on the long and sometimes arduous journey to an independent but protected media. It is also an opportunity for all of us – government, opposition, civil society, citizens and journalists - to commit to doing our part to ensure that journalists do their work without fear or favour – contributing to strengthening our deepening democracy.