The DGRU is participating in the international Freedom of Expression Project. Their contribution is to examine the trends and challenges in South Africa's communications environment and how these impact on the rights to freedom of expression and political participation.

On 19th November 2009, the unit held a colloquium to discuss the topic. Taking part were a number of communications specialists including representatives from the MDDA, FXI and UCT as well as media practitioners.

The keynote speaker was Andrew Puddephatt. He is a director of Global Partners & Associates (GPA) which he set up with partner Greg Power to promote effective good governance and democratic practice in countries around the world. He has worked to promote human rights for twenty years and has specific expertise in programme development and evaluation with a focus upon transparency, the role of media in society, and implementing human rights.

A key part of the proceedings was the presentation of a discussion paper on SA's communications environment by members of the DGRU. This will form the SA report on the Freedom of Expression Project website.

Visit the podcasts section for video and audio extracts of the discussion. The extracts include: