The tension between legal guarantees and practical enforcement is a recurring theme. While laws exist to protect journalists and uphold media independence, the political will to consistently uphold these principles, particularly when critical reporting targets those in power, can be questionable. This is not to say that South Africa is on par with regions where journalists face daily arrests or where state media completely dominates the narrative with little to no independent oversight. However, the South African context requires constant vigilance. The influence of state-owned media, while intended to serve public interest, can sometimes lean towards a government-friendly narrative, especially in contrast to the often fiercely independent and critical stance of many private outlets. The ongoing debate about media ethics, accountability, and the fight against misinformation further complicates this intricate picture, demanding a continuous assessment of how press freedoms are truly exercised and protected on the ground.