Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane along with several members of the Executive Council today engaged with members of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF).
The Gauteng Provincial Government is currently nearing the end of the current term of government and Premier Mokonyane took the opportunity to share some of the province's successes and challenges with SANEF members.
"I believe the Gauteng Provincial Government team has done well despite being faced with difficult circumstances at times. As our population continues to grow, we need to be mindful of the prospects and problems, challenges and opportunities this growth brings with it.
The Premier continued to highlight government's achievements, stating that the province had managed to perform well in delivering basic services; housing opportunities, increasing the matric pass rate and decreasing infant mortality. The Premier encouraged editors to capacitate journalists who were carrying information from government to newsrooms.
"I have a desire to see government exchanging credible information directly with the media more often," said Mokonyane.
While Gauteng Transport MEC Ismail Vadi said the relationship between reporters and politicians was a unique one and it was a fait accompli that there would be tension at times.
"The media must criticize government when necessary, but when it is in the public interest to showcase government's good work, they must also report on this," he said.
For more information:
Thebe Mohatle
Premier's spokesperson
Cell: 082 373 1146
