JOHANNESBURG, Feb 13 (IPS) – Electioneering in South Africa is in full swing. Party posters emblazon lampposts and the media has been lapping up the weekly rallies and manifesto launches as parties set out to woo voters. As in previous elections, the focus has been on party political events.

According to press watchdog Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), South Africa’s media enjoys considerable freedom and independence but it has allowed politicians to set its agenda. It has been praised for its balance, fairness and accuracy but scored poorly on depth and diversity in its reporting.

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