SECUNDA – Treating the media like an enemy must come to an end and the time has come for the media to be treated as an important stakeholder of the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
These were the sentiments shared by Mr Benzi Soko, chief of staff, during the Govan Mbeki Municipality Media Networking Session on Wednesday, 10 October.
The session was aimed at strengthening working relationships between local media houses and the municipality.
Journalists raised their opinions, difficulties and suggestions about reporting on municipal stories.
A frustration was when information is not forthcoming or media enquiries are not responded to on time.
Mr Soko said in the democratic dispensation, journalists should be given freedom to do their jobs.
“We have noted your concerns and will do whatever it takes to ensure that you get your responses on time.
“We also request that you send your questions timeously.”
Mr Soko also said a good relationship between the media and the council can take the municipality to another level.
Officials at the Marketing and Communications vowed to work closely with the media.
