Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the President of the Republic:
Whether President Mugabe has implemented all the resolutions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) taken at the Maputo summit in order to level the elections playing field; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, President Mugabe and the Zimbabwe Inclusive Government at the time did implement the Maputo SADC resolutions. It should be recalled that the Maputo SADC Summit had requested the Government of Zimbabwe to engage the Constitutional Court to seek more time beyond 31 July 2013 deadline for holding the Harmonised Elections.
This was done to the extent that a court application by Government, asking the Court to delay elections, was filed with the Constitutional Court. However, the Constitutional Court turned down the application.
Mr L Ramatlakane (Cope) to ask the President of the Republic:
(1) Whether, in light of his recent statement calling for more patriotic news (details furnished), Government intends to establish the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as the leading broadcaster in patriotic reporting; if not, why not; if so, how does it currently fall short of achieving this measure;
(2) whether broadcasting patriotic news fulfils the criteria for objectivity and balance in journalism; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons for his conclusion?
Reply:
(1) No, the call for more patriotic coverage of news was a general call to all media, not to the SABC specifically.
(2) Broadcasting patriotic news, objectivity and balance are not mutually exclusive. The coverage of news in a more patriotic manner does not mean that journalists should not report in an objective and balanced manner. It means ensuring balance and fairness and putting the country first before any other consideration.
The call for a more patriotic style of journalism cannot be interpreted as an attempt to interfere with editorial independence. Covering stories exposing corruption for example, in a balanced and fair manner, could also count as patriotism.
Balance and fairness are the hallmarks of good journalism. The Presidency, in making the call for a more patriotic style of journalism, does not intend to undermine those principles. It is a call to the media to cover all sides of the South African story and ensure that a balanced and fuller picture emerges of the country and its achievements as well as challenges.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
