Vhembe hosts conference for better communication

THE executive director of the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef), Mathatha Tsedu, said it was important to understand that both media and government existed to serve the interest of the public.

“Journalism is society’s way of ensuring the public are informed on all that is happening in the country. The prerequisites for a good relationship between media and government are trust and a common commitment,” said Tsedu.

Tsedu said journalists should trust what they were told and, in turn, are trusted by their editors to correctly reflect the facts.

He was speaking at the Vhembe district communicators and media conference, which was held at the North Gate Lodge outside Makhado on Friday, a gathering of 80 government communicators and representatives of media houses operating in the Vhembe region.

The conference was also supported by the Limpopo government, Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS), South African Police Services (SAPS) and various government departments.

“We urge government communicators to commit to tell journalists the truth.

“Do not lie to journalists. Media houses, on the other hand need to find the space and time to reflect good work done by government.

“Stories must always be balanced,” said Tsedu.

A representative of GCIS, Legadima Leso said government communicators must help to disseminate information on government programmes and government’s mandate in appropriate ways. He said government communicators must ensure the message that they communicated was about the work of government and this information should never be prejudiced.

Acting Vhembe mayor, Rapson Rambuwani said the district hosted this media and communicators conference to strengthen relationships and share ideas with different media houses operating in the region.