Freedom of Expression Institute recently had its annual general meeting where a new executive committee was elected. Salim Vally is the Chairperson of the Institute. He is a Researcher and Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand and has extensive academic background. He is also an Education Advisor for various South African Broadcasting Corporation programmes on education. As a writer, he has produced several publications on education and labour.

Kate Skinner is the Deputy Chairperson. She has served on this committee for the past two years. She worked for the South African Democratic Teachers' Union as National Media Officer and Head of Media Department , and at the University College as a Communications lecturer. She is presently employed as the Communications Manager for Mvula Trust, and NGO working in the rural water and sanitation sector.

Laura Pollecutt remains the Executive Director.

Other executive committee members are:

Raymond Louw - The former editor of the Rand Daily Mail, he is the founding member of FXI and Chairperson from 1995 to 1997. He is currently the editor of a weekly newsletter. Tshepo Rantho - Has served on this committee for the past year and is a former community media activist who specializes in broadcasting policy and regulation. Nkopane Maphiri - A founder member of and former station manager of Soweto Community Radio, is a CEO of the National Community Radio Forum, a network of organisations of community broadcasters in South Africa. He also serves on the SA Advertising Research Foundation (SAARF), Radio Audience Measurement Survey committee. Prishani Naidoo - Presently works for Heinrich Boell Foundation as Programme Officer for Gender Programme Penny Molefe - Practising attorney in the field of entertainment law Zweli Hulana - President of the South African Students' Press Union Daniel Hutchison - Serves on the Executive Committee of Sasco and studies Music and History at Wits University. Kim Jurgensen - Worked for Cosatu in the media department and currently works for the Aids Link Centre. Ahmed Veriava - Currently working for the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism as a Researcher Nicholas Dieltiens - Former Editor of a student newsletter, Wits Student and studying an Honours degree in Politics. He is currently working for the Alternative Information Distribution Centre.

Issued by Nanagolo Leopeng @ 011 403 8403