I refer to an article titled “Apartheid brought creativity”, published in the City Times on Friday, August 2, 2013, on page 3.
I am of the view that the headline is misleading and can easily be misinterpreted and viewed as sensational.
The intro to the story does not do true justice to the true meaning of what had been communicated by Adv Sedibe on July 25, 2013.
As a former journalist of 15 years, and a former news editor, I understand that every story needs to be hinged on a newsworthy angle.
However, the manner in which the headline and the intro are written can be seen to trivialise apartheid, and also misrepresents Adv Sedibe.
Given the topic under discussion on the day, I do believe that the reporter was spoilt for choice in terms of hard news angles on which to focus the story.
For the purposes of clarity, I wish to state that Adv Sedibe has never and will never condone or justify apartheid.
As part of an in-depth speech at the business forum, he communicated many thoughts.
Among these is the fact that many South Africans had to find creative ways to provide for themselves and their families while living under an oppressive regime which had no regard for human rights.
It is with that same vigour that all South Africans can work together to revive the country’s manufacturing sector and create jobs.
I believe the headline to the story did not properly communicate this in the proper context.
Clarifying this in your publication would, therefore, be appreciated.
