African film content classification and online child protection
"The necessity exists for close co-operation between the FBP and the KFCB on matters of mutual interest in the areas of content classification and to further the FPB's Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) Conference resolutions of October 2015," said Themba P. Wakashe, chief executive officer of the FPB.
The FPB Council resolved that there was a need to carry forward the conference resolutions to ensure progress follow-up and full implementation thereof. The conference discussed and resolved, amongst others, the importance of a uniform regional and continental approach and strategy on content classification and online child protection.
The FPB’s strategic focus into the SADC region is in support of Ministerial undertakings to coordinate matters of mutual interest at a regional level pursuant to international treaty undertakings. Wakashe reiterated that, "The FPB is seeking to use the success of the conference, themed ‘African Media Content Classification and Online Child Protection’, as a stepping stone towards the implementation of its SADC and continental engagement strategy."
In terms of the Joint Communique presented in March 2016, the following points were outlined as the key objectives of the MoA and the need for regional cooperation between KFCB and the FPB, namely:
To identify and define activities to be carried out jointly to the benefit of the film industry in Kenya, South Africa and the continent in general.
- Establish areas of mutual interest and cooperation at the regional and continental level.
- Establish mechanisms to enhance and align programs aimed at improving film content regulation, especially in the wake of new technologies.
- Promote compliance to film content regulations at the regional and continental levels, within the legislative frameworks applicable in the respective jurisdictions.
- Promote outreach activities among the staff of the two organisations.
While in South Africa, the Kenyan delegation will also conduct meetings with several South African organisations and government institutions.
