This research uses a theoretical conceptual method based on Chantal Mouffe＇s Radical Democracy which blended with Derrida＇s deconstruction thesis about ＂democracy to come＂ to reach findings on the state of South A...This research uses a theoretical conceptual method based on Chantal Mouffe＇s Radical Democracy which blended with Derrida＇s deconstruction thesis about ＂democracy to come＂ to reach findings on the state of South Africa＇s media freedom landscape. The method is contained in the conceptual framework. The article provides the constitutional legal landscape--or the overarching laws of the land--and the co-regulatory framework within which journalists work. There are four research explications： the Protection of State Information Bill （dubbed the Secrecy Bill）, a painting of the president and Freedom of Expression, an arson attack on a community radio station and finally, the death of a photojournalist at the hands of police. The argument here is that the death, the arson attack, the Secrecy Bill, and the shut-down of dissent during the exhibition of the painting of the president all undermine democracy and signify significant closures for the media in the now 20-year-old post-apartheid South Africa. The analysis and reflections will be framed within theories of radical democracy, which argue for more fights and contestations and more voices from the margins in order to deepen democracy, rather than rational consensus which closes the spaces for greater plurality.展开更多
文摘This research uses a theoretical conceptual method based on Chantal Mouffe＇s Radical Democracy which blended with Derrida＇s deconstruction thesis about ＂democracy to come＂ to reach findings on the state of South Africa＇s media freedom landscape. The method is contained in the conceptual framework. The article provides the constitutional legal landscape--or the overarching laws of the land--and the co-regulatory framework within which journalists work. There are four research explications： the Protection of State Information Bill （dubbed the Secrecy Bill）, a painting of the president and Freedom of Expression, an arson attack on a community radio station and finally, the death of a photojournalist at the hands of police. The argument here is that the death, the arson attack, the Secrecy Bill, and the shut-down of dissent during the exhibition of the painting of the president all undermine democracy and signify significant closures for the media in the now 20-year-old post-apartheid South Africa. The analysis and reflections will be framed within theories of radical democracy, which argue for more fights and contestations and more voices from the margins in order to deepen democracy, rather than rational consensus which closes the spaces for greater plurality.
