New international affiliation in the fight against child pornography for South Africa
13 May 2009
South Africa has become the first African country to join a global umbrella body of internet hotlines fighting against child pornography. The Film and Publication Board (FPB) was granted full membership of the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE), in Luxemburg on 13 May 2009, making South Africa the 32nd country to gain international recognition in the global fight to combat child pornography.
The INHOPE membership will enable the FPB Internet Hotline to have access to international working relations, referral system, research and best practice to intensify the fight against child pornography. Out of the 48 online reports received by the FPB child protection unit, in its first year of operation, six were confirmed child pornographic images, and all were found to be hosted outside South Africa. With such cases at hand, the new membership with INHOPE will therefore enable the FPB to report the child pornographic websites to the relevant countries for further intervention.
The application for membership is a result of the establishment of the FPB Internet Hotline, a first of its kind in Africa, which was launched by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba, on the 1 July 2008.
The application was then followed by an assessment process carried through by INHOPE representatives, at the FPB offices, South Africa, on the 3rd and 4th March 2009.
It was during this visit that the FPB Internet Hotline systems were found to be in line with the international standards and best practice. The FPB application was then forwarded to the INHOPE Committee, which resulted in Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, CEO of FPB, receiving the full membership on behalf of South Africa. “South Africans need to be aware of the importance of this new affiliation and make use of the tools available to help fight child pornography globally”, said Ms Yoliswa Makhasi. “If anyone comes across a website that contains child pornography images, they need to report the matter to the FPB internet hotline www.fpbprohild.org.za.
Alternatively, members of the public should call the police or the FPB toll free number 0800 148 148 to report any other suspected child pornography activities in their communities.
South Africa is really proud of being the first African country and the 32nd worldwide, to receive membership of this body renowned for its efforts, especially in Europe, in the fight against child pornography.
For more information please contact Sibo Myeni on 011 483 0971/082 307 4708 or e-mail smyeni@fpb.gov.za. Alternatively please call Bayanda Mzoneli on 012 810 8024/082 8888 613 or email Bayanda.Mzoneli@dha.gov.za.
Issued by: Masilo Modipane
Communications Officer
083 269 2479
011 483 0971
modipanem@fpb.gov.za
Back to News...