In light of the recent attack on a pastor who was conducting a prayer near the beach, it’s high time for serious reflection and urgent reform in the journalism sector of Mauritius. The sanctity of journalism — a cornerstone of our democratic society — finds itself under siege, not only from external threats but also from within. With every passing day, the essence of what it means to be a journalist is fading, overshadowed by the growing presence of impostors who wield press cards with no understanding of the responsibilities that such a post entails.
The unfortunate reality is that today, in Mauritius, journalism is no longer the exclusive domain of trained professionals committed to ethical practices. Instead, the issuance of press cards from the Prime Minister’s Office, intended to represent the highest standards of the profession, has become a superficial measure. A driver, a peon and others outside the realm of genuine journalism can now claim to be journalists, diluting the profession’s integrity. Such indiscriminate granting of press credentials has led to confusion, mistrust and even violence — illustrated starkly by the violent incident involving the pastor.
It is very essential to remember that journalists are tasked with the critical responsibility of gathering, assessing and presenting news to the public. Their work entails thorough research, interviews, fact-checking and a commitment to accuracy and fairness. As professionals, journalists adhere to a stringent code of ethics emphasizing independence, transparency, accountability and respect for privacy. Their role is to serve the public interest, providing diverse perspectives and fostering informed democratic discourse. Journalism is not merely a job; it is a noble vocation that deserves to be valued for its capacity to inform and empower society. Journalists should be respected and given the dignity they deserve, and they must not be taken for granted as they perform their vital duties. Their struggles to carry out their responsibilities should not be overlooked.
However, the rampant undermining of these ethical standards leads to a dangerous erosion of trust in the media. Sensationalism, personal biases and a lack of accountability run rampant when the gates to journalism are opened without discernment. Authentic journalists – those who have undergone formal training and understand the weight of their responsibilities – has become rare gems amid a sea of mediocrity and opportunism.
One must consider whether it is appropriate to allow such laxity in journalism as we would in any other profession. Should we permit someone with minimal knowledge of law to represent a client in a court of justice simply because they claim to have experience with legal matters? Would anyone dare to allow an untrained individual to perform surgery in an operating room simply because they have some limited knowledge of medicine? The answer to these questions is a resounding NO; yet, the same standard does not seem to apply to journalism, where lives and reputations hang in the balance.
Therefore, an urgent appeal is made to the Prime Minister: it is high time to amend the laws governing the journalism sector in Mauritius. This must urgently be addressed to ensure that genuine journalists are acknowledged and protected, while impostors are kept at bay. A clear framework for the assessment and certification of journalists should be established, one that recognizes their role as custodians of truth and accountability.
Let us not wait until it is too late. The lessons garnered from the attack on the pastor should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that our culture of journalism needs protection and respect. We must cultivate a society where genuine expertise is valued and above all, where the voice of the true journalist can thrive without being undermined by the fraudsters among us.
In the spirit of this urgent appeal, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of journalism in Mauritius, allowing it to flourish in its true essence and ensuring that those who wear the mantle of journalist do so with the reverence it deserves. The future of our democracy depends not merely on the freedom of the press but on the integrity of those who uphold it. Journalists should be respect and dignity vital to their noble practice, enabling them to perform their duties without undue struggle or hindrance.