Speaking at the celebration of seven years of SABC Education in Rosebank yesterday, Prof Asmal said now the SABC served the interests of all South Africans.
"Tonight we celebrate public broadcasting. Tonight, our public broadcaster the SABC, marks seven years of excellence, over these years, the SABC has charted new territory in entertaining, informing and educating the public," he said.
Prof Asmal said the celebrations of SABC Education come as the country was also celebrating its 10 years of democracy.
He, however, cautioned that now the onus lay on reflecting on the challenges that confronted the country as "we build a new nation out of the ashes of the old."
"Public broadcasting, like our public life, raises issues of diversity, equity, social, justice, human rights, health, self respect and respect for others that are at the heart of our education given that the media has a powerful influence on people 's attitude and perceptions, our public broadcaster therefore shoulders an enormous responsibility in engendering these values," he said.
Prof Asmal added that much of the media coverage was currently focused on the differences that divided the nation, saying more attention ought to be given to evidence that these differences could be conquered.
"A serious global discussion needs to be undertaken to explore the use of existing and rapidly emerging media technologies to foster hope and the media must assist people to understand that diversity need not be a source of conflict," said Prof Asmal.
Article by Jabulani Tshindane, courtesy of BuaNews, www.gcis.gov.za/buanews.
