Minister Bathabile Dlamini responds to eNCA report on allegations of banning journalists from covering the launch of 16 Days of Activism against Violence on Women and Children Campaign
The Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Minister Bathabile Dlamini, wishes to correct media reports that she banned journalists from the eNCA from attending and covering the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence on Women and Children Campaign. The event was held at KwaMagwaza, in Melmoth, KwaZulu Natal, and attended by members of the public, community leaders, victims and survivors of violence, and activists.
The Minister thanks all journalists who attended the event. The primary task of the Department of Women is to transform attitudes, views and repressive aspects of cultures. This requires that we develop and communicate messages that will bring about social behavioral change. For this, the media is a central partner, as we cannot reach the more than 55 million South African citizens alone.
In our attempt to transform attitudes and fight Gender Based Violence, the Ministry works without prejudice and bias. On the day of the launch, and due to time limits, an agreement was reached with reporters that since two interviews had been requested by the SABC and the ENCA, Minister Bathabile Dlamini would conduct the interview with SABC reporters and the MEC for Social Development in the Province, Ms Weziwe Thusi was to conduct the interview with ENCA reporters.
Following the conclusion of the interviews, the Minister was not part of any further engagements with journalists from either the eNCA or the SABC.
The Minister has come to learn of allegations that there was an exchange between officials from her office and eNCA reporters. A claim is being made by the eNCA that an official of the Ministry asked them to leave. It must be categorically stated that Minister Dlamini did not ask any reporter to leave the event or ban any reporter from attending the event.
The Minister has instituted a process to establish the facts of what transpired.
The Minister wishes to clearly state that she will never instruct any reporter or journalist to leave any venue especially when it is an event of government. The portfolio the Minister is responsible for relies mainly on various media platforms to communicate and convey its key messages to the public.
Enquiries:
Mandla Tshabalala
Cell: 084 304 6239
E-mail: mandla.tshabalala@women.gov.za
