ANC calls for media transformation

File photo: Jackson Mthembu. Photo: Bongiwe Mchunu

File photo: Jackson Mthembu. Photo: Bongiwe Mchunu

Published Apr 2, 2017

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Johannesburg - The ANC has called for media transformation underscored by accountability and responsibility.

It said the need for the broadening of the transformation agenda should be understood within “this paradigm of media responsibility to reflect the South African society”.

ANC chairperson of the ANC NEC subcommittee on communications, Jackson Mthembu, made the remarks in Joburg on Sunday.

He was presenting a discussion document on communications and the battle of ideas, with the aim of developing a framework for the discussions at the ANC’s national policy conference to be held in Gauteng in June.

Mthembu lashed out at the print media saying it hardly recognised any achievements “in our socio-economic endeavours. They say: ‘why should you praise a fish for swimming’. You (media) must be a little bit objective”.

He stressed, however, that they were not saying the media should not be critical, and drew parallels between South African and British media, which make their political ideologies known.

Mthembu said: “You (media) don’t reflect on any positive things that we do.” He would not comment on the recent Cabinet reshuffle, saying the national executive committee would handle it.

He dubbed what was happening in the country a “crisis”, saying: “The ANC leadership will be able to deal with these issues and give direction.”

The ANC top officials including secretary-general Gwede Mantashe, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize, have publicly distanced themselves from and criticised Zuma’s decision to fire five ministers and two deputies, saying they were merely informed about the matter, and that it appeared the Cabinet reshuffle list had been drawn up from elsewhere.

On Thursday night Zuma fired Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas, on the basis of a discredited intelligence report that they were planning use the international investment roadshows to the UK and US to mobilise the financial markets against the country.

Both Gordhan and Jonas have denied the allegations.

@luyolomkentane

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