The President of the Republic of South Africa (President Thabo Mbeki) has, in terms of Section 4 (1) (c) of the MDDA Act appointed Ms Ingrid Louw with effect from 01 July 2008. This followed the resignation of Mr. Connie Molusi. Ms Louw will serve for the rest of the term of office of Mr Molusi, which is until January 2009. This board position is having regard to the consideration of ensuring representation to the Board from the commercial print media who are one of the funders of the Agency.
The MDDA takes this opportunity to thank Mr Connie Molusi for his contribution towards the facilitation of development and diversity in the South African media sector and to the promotion of the right to freedom of expression enshrined in our Constitution. His service has been much appreciated, in particular as Mr. Molusi was part of the team that negotiated the agreement that formed the foundation of a unique public private partnership between the established media and Government to advance access to media and give voice to the voiceless.
Ms Ingrid Louw is the Chief Executive Officer of the Print Media S.A since February 2007. Ms. Louw is the second woman appointed to spearhead the association since it was formed in 1996, after the restructuring of the Newspaper Press Union. She has extensive experience within the electronic media industry through the various roles she played in the establishment of Kaya FM and Makana Media & Communications who together with shareholders in Botswana launched the first independent radio station called Gabz FM. She later ventured into the skills development arena at the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) which was established by the Department of Communications to provide media training for previously disadvantaged students. She currently holds various industry board and committee positions on the MAPPPSETA, South African Advertising Research Foundation (SAARF), Statutory Council for the Printing, Newspaper and Packaging Industries (SCPNPI) and the Advertising Authority of South Africa (ASA).
The MDDA welcomes Ms Louw as a Board member, commit to working with and supporting her, look forward to her leadership and guidance in the governance of the Agency, and wish her all the best in the quest to pursue the mandate enshrined in the MDDA Act. Ms Louw will be taking an oath or affirmation committing her to fairness, freedom of expression, openness and accountability, and upholding and protecting the Constitution and other laws of the Republic.
The Agency thanks the print media industry for joining our hands in assisting the building of an environment where a diverse, vibrant and creative media flourishes and reflects the needs of all South Africans.
