Capricorn Voice’s response to Phuti Lekganyane’s criticism

Dear Phuti Lekganyane

I nearly had to be treated for shock when I read your response to last week’s lead story in the CV.

In your response, which I thank you for, you touched on two subjects. I will, however, address the main issue you raised – that of selective reporting.

As a journalist yourself, I am sure you will agree with me that it is common knowledge that a dog can bite a man and not the other way around. Therefore, when something unusual has happened and it falls within the carefully prescribed news diet of the readership of the CV, it is reported.

The newsroom I am part of is one that not only sends journalists to events, but trains and reminds them not to only look at and report on the the event, but also on any other newsworthy occurrance at the same event. The articles that were submitted following the event you refer to left me spoilt for choice.

The ANC and its leadership is constantly drawing attention and, as such, even isolated incidents as you and others may call them, are reported on, making news that people want to read.

What also worries me is that you and probably other ANC members remain hellbent on branding the man who denied deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa access to his home, a drunkard. Where does anyone get the right to judge this man and factually say he was drunk?

In this country, and elsewhere in the world, it is not what you know but what you can prove beyond any doubt in a court of law. Moreover, one spokesperson for the ANC quoted in the article goes as far as accusing the EFF of buying alcohol for young people to disrupt the ANC’s campaign. This seems to smack of laziness and lame excuses, if I may be so bold as to express my opinion.

CV would have lied and misled its readers had the headline read: “Warm reception for ANC leader”. Isolated and ugly as the incident was, the fact is, it occurred and marred the “warmth” of the reception. Our well thought out headline does not in anyway claim nor conclude that the leader was given the cold shoulder by the entire community of Seshego. The same story accused of only focusing on that isolated incident, continues to give a summary of the event and its intentions, and that should tell you there is no agenda pursued by the paper.

Did you expect to only read about the deputy president’s visit on the front page? I doubt it would have made it to the front page, as a door-to-door campaign would not interest readers much. It is, after all, common practice for all politicians.

Please also note that the woman who lost her home you refer to, was also reported on previously in various publications that are part of our group.

I also wish to remind you to never assume or suspect we are influenced by Poloko Tau or his weekend paper as this seeks to undermine the intelligence and integrity of my team.

I thank you and wish to hear from you soon.

Stephen Mbedzi is the Editor of Capricorn Voice