The North West Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, views in serious light the manner in which the Sowetan newspaper publication of 11 June 2012 titled “Chairman is behind plot to oust premier” reported.
The article written by Ms Boitumelo Tshehle, who is the North West correspondent for the newspaper, is a total misrepresentation of what truly transpired during the press conference held on the 08 June 2012 at the MEC’s Boardroom, 2nd Floor, West Wing, Garona Building.
MEC China Dodovu, during his press conference indicated that whilst acknowledging that some of the concerns raised by communities during these protests are genuine, he also believes that they are sparked by lack of engagements between councilors and residents. He further indicated that there is a suspicion that these spates of protest actions in the province are politically motivated as they are well orchestrated and well executed and in some instances happen at the same time. For this suspicion to be proven right Dodovu said the department has established a task team to investigate the protests and the team will report back to him.
Not anywhere during the press conference or in his media statement did MEC Dodovu point any finger or mention anyone’s name, let alone that of the Speaker of the provincial legislature and the ANC provincial chairperson Supra Mahumapelo, as being behind the protests, or mention anything that has to do with a plot to oust premier Thandi Modise. It is also shocking that only Boitumelo Tshehle of Sowetan out of many journalists who were there, including those from The New Age and SABC Radio’s, picked that up.
In our view, Boitumelo Tshehle, who arrived late at the end of the press conference, seeks to portray MEC Dodovu in a negative manner and depict him as a person sowing divisions within the provincial legislature. The article also seeks to discredit, tarnish reputation and the image of MEC Dodovu as a leader within the North West provincial government and questions his character. The report is totally devoid of the truth and infact malicious and non-factual on critical issues divulged during the press conference.
As the department we are appealing to the Sowetan to withdraw the report on printing untruthful statements and issue a public apology on accusing the MEC of uttering such statements.
Enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
MEC Dodovu sets the record straight on the Sowetan article
Province
