1. INTRODUCTION

The media code of conduct is intended to provide the framework for media wishing to broadcast or report events the State Funeral.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) responsibility is clearly defined in the State Funeral Manual. This responsibility specifically relates to media liaison, product development and co-ordination of all communication.

Of particular relevance to this document, is the GCIS’ responsibility as it relates to media liaison activities. To this end, the GCIS is responsible for (a) appointing the host broadcaster for the State Funeral and related official events and (b) providing access for the media to all relevant events and venues related to the State Funeral. This includes accreditation of media, identifying camera positions in a fair and equitable manner, setting up and managing media centres to accommodate accredited media organisations and journalists wishing to cover the State Funeral and related official events.

2. ACCREDITATION OF THE MEDIA

All media wishing to cover and/or broadcast the State Funeral and related official events need to be accredited and ensure that their media and accreditation cards are visible at all times.

Accreditation shall be issued to media of legitimate news- gathering organisations that have a professional working function at the State Funeral venues and events. The accreditation provides access to specified locations, venues and events for which the accreditation was issued. At certain events, some areas may be restricted for radio, television, news print and photographers.

The media work areas are available for professional working members of the media. Children, spouses and friends of media that are not officially employed by a media outlet are not permitted in media areas. There will be no accreditation of freelancers or media not in possession of media cards.

The transfer, sale or resale of accreditation cards is prohibited and will result in immediate confiscation of the accreditation card(s) and/or possible denial of future accreditation to individual perpetrators or their affiliated media organisation.

Any member of the media believed to be intoxicated, under the influence of mood-altering substances or acting in an unprofessional manner will have their media accreditation revoked and be escorted out of the media area with possible denial of future accreditation to individual perpetrators and/or their affiliated media organisation.

The GCIS reserves the right to revoke current and deny future accreditation to any media organization or individual in violation of the Code of Conduct.

Once accredited and media are in possession of the accreditation cards, the cards must be kept safe. All lost cards must be reported to the South African Police Service and an affidavit will need to be produced for replacements of lost cards.

To be accredited, media will be expected to produce a press card and identification, i.e. the green barcoded South African Identity Document or a passport for foreign nationals. Media will have access to modest facilities that meet the requirements to enable transmission of host broadcast material to their destinations of choice as well as access to Government media briefings. Announcements of venues will be made in advance enabling media to plan deployment.

Media and accreditation cards must be visible at all times.

2.1 NASREC Media Centre

A permanent media centre which will be set up within 48 hours of the Official Announcement and which will accommodate up to 1 500 (one thousand) media will be established and set up at NASREC. Only accredited media will have access to this facility which will provide access to modest facilities that meet the requirements to enable transmission of host broadcast material to their destinations of choice.

Accreditation for access to NASREC media centre and to all other relevant Official Events related to the State Funeral will also take place at NASREC. To be accredited, media will be expected to produce a press card and identification, i.e. the green barcoded South African Identity Document or a passport for foreign nationals. Once accredited, media and accreditation cards must be visible at all times.

2.2 The Nelson Mandela Museum in the Eastern Cape

Media wishing to cover events in the Eastern Cape will be accredited on Tuesday, 10th December 2013 at the Walter Sisulu University in Umthata for purposes of gaining access to the Eastern Cape media centre.

Only accredited media will gain access to the Nelson Mandela Museum which will be the Eastern Cape official media centre. The Nelson Mandela Museum media centre will only accommodate a