Thursday, June 22, 2006
Hiding behind policy and spokesmen
A simple query for SABC spokesman, Kaizer Kganyago.
As an aside: Why do organizations need spokesmen? Shouldn’t those responsible for decisions, policy and practice (ie management) actually defend their actions in person? I do feel for spokesmen of mainly state institutions, who across the board are put on the spot and armed with only limited information have to bravely defend the decisions of others.
So while I sympathise, I must certainly question Kganyago's logic detailed in this interview that since it is not policy for the SABC to ban certain commentators, despite it being accepted practice, that this is somehow OK. The confirmation that this is accepted practice is provided by most respected of presenters, John Perlman, and all strength to him for his independent and honest stand on this matter.
I sense the influence of one Snuki Zikalala (PhD Bulgaria) behind this. Why am I concerned? Because I am aware (sadly mainly in retrospect) what a dark road the SABC led us on under the National Party government, and feel that the nation deserves better in the new dispensation.
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1 comment:
Fair comment.
Many governments (even Mr Blair's Labour Party)pressurise the national broadcaster. Obviously the nature of the pressure and the extent to which it is applied differs greatly, from overt mouthpiece (Zimbabwe) to be careful what you say if you dont want to get fired as happened in the UK over the Andrew Gilligan / 45 minute warning / David Kelly suicide.
I think the issue for SA is that we all want to believe that the bad practice of the past would be put aside and are disappointed that it is being brought back.
Moral. Never, ever trust a politician. Or a spokesman/spokesperson.
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