This, according to IFP national spokesman, Mkhuleko Hlengwa. 

"Far too often we take for granted the factual, accurate, fair, and impartial news and information that appears on our television screens, in our newspapers, on the internet, or on our social feeds," Hlengwa said in a statement.

The sacrifice and the important role of the media in South Africa and the world at large should never be disregarded or go unnoticed.

The IFP honoured all journalists, reporters, and field personnel who had died during this uncertain time in fighting the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) around the world, and saluted those who remained in the field, sacrificing their health in order for the public to receive fact-based, truthful, and accurate information.

"We mark this day to honour those who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. We have lost many reporters in the past and far too many are currently under attack in the pursuit of justice and freedom," Hlengwa said.

The IFP, as a fervent defender of the press, would continue to fight for the rights and freedom of the media, in safeguarding them from attacks on their independence, and to hold the media accountable should their accuracy be questioned.

"We all have a role to play in ensuring that we continue to choose information that is unaltered, unbiased, unfiltered, and unedited as we navigate the global realities and ever-changing technology. We call on all South Africans to take action against ‘fake news’ and disinformation by rejecting its content and reporting it accordingly," Hlengwa said.

African News Agency