The GPU is a membership-based organisation. The Union has more FIVE HUNDRED registered members who form the General Assembly, which is the highest decision making body of the Union. Membership is open to news and information professionals from state-owned, private and community-owned media of all types – print, radio, TV and online. Students and journalism trainers are also members.
The GPU convenes a General Meeting at least once every two months. Through this, members discuss and where necessary, make decisions on the work of the Union and key press freedom and welfare issues. Media professionals who are not registered do take part in the Union’s activities but do not have voting rights.
Executive Committee
The GPU Executive Committee is responsible for formulation of the Union’s policies and programmes. It exercises oversight over the Secretariat and comprises eight elected members and Secretary General who is appointed. The members are elected at the Congress of the General Assembly held every three years. The Executive Committee is headed by the President, who is assisted by a vice president.
The GPU convenes a General Meeting at least once every two months. Through this, members discuss and where necessary, make decisions on the work of the Union and key press freedom and welfare issues. Media professionals who are not registered do take part in the Union’s activities but do not have voting rights.
The Ethics and Disciplinary Committee
This committee comprises seven people. Two of them are elected GPU Executive Committee members and five are coopted from among the members, in their diversity in terms of gender, type of media, expertise and responsibilities. One of the elected executive members serves as chair.
The committee is responsible for handling complaints over allegations of abuse and violation by a member. It presides over applications for media accreditation and press jackets
Gender and Welfare Committee
This committee comprises seven people. Two of them are elected GPU Executive Committee members and five are coopted from among the members, in their diversity in terms of gender, type of media, expertise and responsibilities. One of the elected executive members serves as chair.
The committee is responsible for handling complaints and formulation policies around issues of gender and welfare of journalists, such as sexual harassment, discrimination, inequality and broader labour rights issues.