On Sunday, 8 November 2015, the City Press published on the front page of the newspaper an inflammatory and misleading story alleging that Government was planning to buy a R4 billion jet for President Zuma.
The article peddled rumours and speculation as fact in direct contradiction to the prescripts of the Press Code. Armscor, the Department of Defence's acquisition agent, has since clarified that at no point have they committed to the purchase of a jet, they will not be spending R4bn on a jet and had instead issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather information that would assist them assess options available to government to ensure the SA Air Force is able to meet its obligations to provide air travel to members of government.
They have further clarified that even in the event a jet was bought, it would not be the private property of the President but part of the Airforce's capabilities in line with their mandate.
It is obvious that the City Press newspaper, as in the words of Thomas Sowell, cannot decide whether it is in the business of reporting news or manufacturing propaganda. Based on the RFI issued by Armscor, they have created a front page story, manufactured from supposition and innuendos; effectively telling a story of "what ifs".
One would be excused for believing, as most in our country were inclined to, that government has concluded this fictitious transaction as reported by the newspaper. Speculation is presented as fact and an entire narrative designed to entrench a view of a government that is disconnected from society is presented on the basis of assumption. The ANC has been at pains to meet with a number of media organizations with the intention to find common ground as it relates to responsible reporting.
Once a story is published, factual or not, as in the case of City Press, it is not enough that when the media is taken to task, the only recourse to the aggrieved party is a correction. The damage has already been done and public sentiment influenced by reckless and mischievous reporting. The City Press, like many other media outlets, are well aware of this fact however continue to report in a manner that is contrary to the spirit of the freedoms they claim to jealously guard.
Issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC National Spokesperson, 10 November 2015
