South Africa: Journalists’ role critical [opinion]

Is the media too hard on politicians? I am paraphrasing Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane in reply to lifestyle audits by the fourth estate. Let’s unpack it.

 

Is the role of the media in a developing world different compared to those in advanced democracies? Is it to support rather than critique those in power? Are the intended objectives of media’s lifestyle audits to embarrass and run down politicians instead of holding them to account?

 

There are no easy answers.

 

For our democracy to grow, the fourth estate and the politicians cannot afford to be bosom buddies or bitter enemies. The Hefer commission is a reminder of what happens when journalists are too close to the rulers — they lose objectivity and credibility. It would be the beginning an end for our democracy.

 

The actions of your political editor Karima Brown and Co (of challenging the African National Congress Youth League) deserve support. It is worth reminding leadership that journalists do not invent stories. All they do is report them.

 

Take the case of the alleged R68m tender awarded to the GNS Risk Advisory Services. It is not the media that bestowed the juicy meat to the company partly owned by Gen Siphiwe Nyanda. May I add Menzi Simelane, letting off new age billionaire Fana Hlongwane. What about Helen Zille and the building of apartheid toilets for the poor? Robert Mugabe playing another Lionel Messi trick on hapless President Jacob Zuma .

 

Is Mokonyane asking the media to turn a blind eye on these issues? It cannot be so. Because that would mean the fourth estate is breaching its social contract with the citizenry of reporting without prejudice, fear or favour.

 

It is true that controversy sells. Unfortunately, our leadership is hell- bent on courting controversy. If they are not watching potholes becoming swimming pools, they are busy fighting over nothing. Their foolishness creates the stories.

 

Unlike President Barack Obama, our leaders have no clue on what to do with the power on their hands. President Obama is busy delivering on his election promises (of a better healthcare), as our leaders are wasting precious time and resources threatening journalists.

 

Banality and not logic rules in Africa. The gods are laughing at us.

 

- March 25, 2010 by Dr Lucas Ntyintyane

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Source: www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx (accessed on 25.03.10)