Media Bias on the Garden Route
This passionate letter against media bias will make you think that my anger at the DA’s lies are as soft as a baby’s bum.
I debated whether to post it as it concerns Plettenberg Bay’s (rather than Knysna’s) political volcano. I chose to do so as it references the fact that the DA is not immune to wrongdoings which local media too often forget! Additionally, Plett, like Knysna, would fall under the provincial scope of MECs such as Alan Winde who i criticized this morning.
I don’t know enough to vouch for all the letter’s facts but i’m aware of some, have corresponded with the composer for months and undertook a lot more with her today in response to this. I have also read some questionable articles by said journalists and have wondered why they report against the ANC rather than simply reporting both sides of the argument.
The biggest persuasion is that she, Mary-Ann Mngomezulu, is one of the very few people brave enough to have an opinion without hiding under a pseudonym (i wish could multiply her because these tough times beg for it).
Her anger is directed at two freelance journalists who write articles for newspapers (such as the The Herald, The Witness and CX Express) under the banner of Garden Route Media.
To Janine and Neil Oelofse
In case you didn’t notice, let me draw your attention to the fact that Carte Blanche removed the insert on Bitou from their Website. The CEO of MNET assured me she’s sending the team back after she watched all the footage! We have a right2know THE TRUTH.
I’ve witnessed your bias and read your twisted stories since you started reporting for the Herald.
You and your “client”, Johan Brummer [Speaker for Plettenberg bay Municipality], must take full responsibility for all the division, hate and racism in this town. You are our town’s worst enemies and are destroying it!
Your report in the Weekend Post of 1 Oct, 20 is the last straw! Like always, you couldn’t report the facts! What is your excuse this time? “The editors”?? Didn’t you understand? Hearing not well????
You are fully aware that after three days of the municipality leading evidence in the disciplinary hearing of the unlawfully and unconstitutionally suspended Municipal Manager, Mr Lonwabo Ngoqo, the following, amongst various other highly relevant facts, was established and admitted:
- There was NO CORRUPTION.
- There was NO MALADMINISTRATION.
- Bitou NEVER WAS, AND IS NOT, BANKRUPT.
The Chairperson, retired Judge Combrink, (appointed by the DA), remarked to the investigator that he doesn’t even regard the actions by the MM (assuming it is proofed) as misconduct.
Were you disappointed to hear it was in fact the previous council who initiated & implemented the turn around and recovery program? Didn’t you find it interesting to hear about the astute and strict financial measures that were always in place in Bitou? Didn’t you think it was newsworthy and informative to let the public know which factors caused the cash flow problem? (You know it was caused by the fact that the ANC decided to build good houses for the poorest of the poor and needed to top up the Provincial subsidy with approximately R30 000.00 per house). Judge Combrinck remarked to the investigator, who testified for the DA, “YOU CAN HARDLY, MORALLY BLAME THEM FOR THIS CAN YOU?”
Instead, you chose rather to mislead the public again by trying to create the impression that R14M was “misspend”. Did you miss the part where the chairperson confirmed from all the witnesses that all these payments were completely legitimate? (Remember he asked if the Municipal Manager spend the money legitimately and the DA said YES)
Don’t you find it curious that NOT EVEN ONE of the defamatory and false reasons furnished for suspending the municipal manager found its way into the charge sheet? Did you ask the DA for an explanation? What was their response? I think it was you that even quoted DA James Laminor describing the suspended municipal manager as “the root of all wickedness”.
Weren’t you surprised to learn that there was NOT ONE ACT OF MISCONDUCT present when they suspended him and that his suspension was in fact unconstitutional and unlawful? And so I can carry on with more examples. But you were there, you know the truth. Why didn’t you tell us about the Audit Committees Report?
Further more, you reported that the Municipal Manager’s defence is that the previous council’s decisions resulted in the cash flow problems. Didn’t you understand their argument or are you just selective in your choice of words, Janine? Don’t you think the citizens of Plett deserve the facts and not your convoluted interpretations or spoon fed versions you choose to publish?
AFTER THESE TRUTHS STARTED COMING OUT, the municipality’s prosecutor all of a sudden objected to the public being present!!!!
Don’t you find this somewhat odd? Did you ask the DA why? Did you ask them if they have something to hide? The municipal manager thankfully INSISTED that the public be allowed!!
What happened to Memory’s [Booysen, Mayor of Plett] previous statement that they will hide NOTHING from the public and the media, and will take every step they take with complete openness and transparency?
Despite of all the highly relevant and important facts that came out you chose to twist one minute part into something to make the DA look good when everything in this hearing exposed so many lies perpetuated by you and the DA – you twisted it to deliberately mislead the public AGAIN! Why? Is it perhaps that you are determined to cover your past lies, or that you don’t know how to earn money without putting the municipal manager and the previous council (ANC) in a bad light.
Don’t you realize Lonwabo (and all the others whose images you’ve tarnished over the years) are people just like me and you with kids, a family and loved ones? Don’t you realize we have a constitutional right to our dignity and reputation?
Do you have no shame?
Don’t you every stop whilst eating and think your children are fed on monies earned through the spreading of deliberate lies? What bad luck that must bring upon their innocent souls; to inherit your sins? How do you sit in church knowing you, on a daily basis, dump this type of sin on your children’s souls?
I belief you have no integrity, honour or morals!! Just when I think you can sink no lower, you prove me wrong. I honestly do not know how you manage to sleep at night. You are a disgrace to the word journalist and you must not even refer to yourself as one.
I wonder how you will you manage to spin the judgment delivered last week regarding Brummer’s infamous interdict (an all-out victory for Mvimbi, the ANC councillors and the Law enforcement unit against Brummer) in the DA’s favour but, I suspect, you are by now so skilled in lying and twisting facts that you will somehow manage to find a way. BUT be warned….it will be challenged even if I die doing it!
Don’t you feel it’s in the public’s interest to know Johan Brummer and the DA spend over R2 million rand on frivolous court cases within their first 100 days in office?
Was it not important to tell the public that judge J. Coetzee said Brummer is dishonest and his conduct was illegal and unconstitutional?
Is it not in our best interest to know Brummer’s cowboy conduct IN THIS CASE ALONE WILL cost [the taxpayers] approximately R1million in legal fees.
Don’t you think it’s in the public’s interest to know the DA, with your “special assistance”, lied to us about terminating the X5 lease AND RETURNING IT TO AVIS whilst it was parked at the Depot in Marine Way? Are the rumours true that the vehicle is being used after hours?! And that AVIS confirmed that the vehicle was never returned nor the contract cancelled?????
Don’t you think its in the best interest of the public to know the municipality must pay back the monies to province because the DA in Plett are now doing everything to protect the image of province and to undo the damaged caused by province through incompetence.
Hardy Mills [a lawyer for the Justice & Equality Fund] warned them AND GAVE THEM A SENIOR INDEPENDENT VALUER’S REPORT (WHO BY THE WAY IS THE PREVIOUS PRESIDENT OF THE VALUERS BOARD OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE CURRENT EXAMINER OF THE NATIONAL ADMITTANCE EXAMS) stating the R2.4 m estimated worth of the land IS SO OBVIOUSLY FALSE THAT IT SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF A DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY! BECAUSE MEMORY RATHER LISTENED TO JOHN GILLESPIE WHO ACTS ON DUPPIE’S (FROM PROVINCE) INSTRUCTIONS; WE (BITOU) NOW FACE A R24M CLAIM IN FAVOUR OF PROVINCE!! When will the people of New Horizon get housing, because this land was acquired to build houses for New Horizons.
Janine, why didn’t the Media tell the people of Plett that the DA mayor stays on a Golf Estate at a cost of R22 000.00 per month when there are houses for R5000 to rent in Goosevalley. Why must the ratepayers pay R22 000a month when the previous Mayor PAID the Municipality to stay in the municipal house! The house has been empty for more than a month? Why didn’t the DA move the Mayor to this now empty house TO SAVE COSTS? Who does the R22 000. 00 house belong to?
Why didn’t you tell us that the DA spends between R186 000 and R220 000 per month on security? In addition to paying the salaries of the Law Enforcement Officers already employed. Why didn’t you tell the people the DA appointed a second security company who wasn’t even registered on the municipality’s database? This company and many others were appointed by political office bearers in violation of section 117 of the Municipal Finance management Act! And they are not even complying with the countries BEE act? Why?
Don’t you think you should tell us that all Helen Zille’s deployees are being subsidized by Bitou Residents?
Are you getting paid to write articles on behalf of the DA in addition to your salary at the Herald (like your fellow Herald Journalist, Mr Leon Bekker, confessed to in a signed affidavit?). Please be honest for the first time in your life and rather refer to yourself as the DA and Brummer’s spokesperson.
My silence and lack of action over the years, in essence gave you permission to spread your particular poison in our community, a community I’ve come to love. I allowed you to spread lies without challenging you through the proper structures.
In the process you’ve destroyed strong bonds of over 22 years (i.e. me and my friend), fragile bonds, and friendships. In trying to give people the facts, I was accused of telling lies, because they naively believe the media cannot be corrupt!
I HAVE GOT NEWS FOR YOU!!!
We all have the right to know the truth! And I will make sure we all get just that!
I can no longer stand by the side and allow you to destroy our community with your lies, deceit and convoluted reporting. I am determined to expose you and your lies even if its the last thing I do for the people of Plett.
The day will arrive when you will have to answer to all your actions, in this life and the one thereafter.
My legal team and I will scrutinize your every word and nuance and I will make sure you apologize to the people of Bitou for every bit of lie…and that includes your silence on matters we have a RIGHT2KNOW!
Regards
Mary-Anne Mngomezulu
(One of the people who agreed to forgive and forget in 1994 and is a supporter of the right2know)
I think this Mary-Anne women is extremely brave and whatever she says should be taken seriously. They forgave us in 1994 and this is the thanks they get? I’m upset about this. I honestly think the DA should reconsider their plan of action in the Western Cape. They are causing much hurt and I dont understand why. They should also start caring more for all the organisations who helps the poor defenceless animals like PAWS.
Yep, salutes to Mary-Anne which is why i posted her letter. To further understand her intentions, we had coffee the other night. Impressive lady and likely to be a bull in a corner. Very passionate for human rights and the people of Plett.
I can’t speak for Plett but i can for Knysna regards associations for animals, drugs, disabilities etc. – there’s far too few attempts by politicians to get to grips with social problems. Instead, they seem more likely to turn up for photo opportunities.
Mark how did you come to your conclusion re JEF’s “using and abusing the justice system? I’ve read their site and the cases…are you so blinded, brainwashed and confused that you cannot see anyone with good intentions? I feel deeply sorry for you…really.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.
A last thought before I resume my position of standing back and reading your statements – I visited JEF and could honestly not fault them on any aspect of their site. Admitted, it’s seems very pro- ANC but please realise what they have achieved = no Jub-Jub antics in the Western Cape!!!! I honestly doubt if the DA could ever have negotiated such an agreement and that’s why I thank them for getting involved. I still HOWEVER believe they should come in the open and reveal the persons behind the “JEF”? If this should however hinder the seemingly good relationship and open door privilege they enjoy from the ANC and ANCYL, I will understand their current cloak of secrecy and will respect that. They should just always keep in mind that there is always 2 (in fact 3) sides to a story and should perhaps take a softer stance against the DA (despite of all the “admittingly” shocking truths they have revealed thus far and all their legal victories) if they truly stand for justice and equality.
I admire both sides passion and willingness to post comments. However, I do not know if Mark or Red5 is right and neither of them convinced me with their arguments since I can not establish for who’s or which cause they are debating? Please note that I have been reading this site and many more but this is the first time which I have actually felt obliged to post a comment. Since all of you seems to be fighting battles for some-one else I can only rely on the judgment itself, and it speaks to both sides. Admitted, the DA got a massive hiding but still I believe the ANC should also take and learn from this. This judgment is more than a huge victory for “one side” and should be studied and applied right across the country. I hope and pray that all of you will soon find your purpose for really taking the time to post comments and work hard towards that goal which will hopefully be revealed to you through supernatural intervention, in which I, by the way, childishly belief.
Yes, Mark must go for a walk on the beach. He is destructive and it seems a lot of time to talk bull!
And just prove the point I am making, that judgement is upside down. And what’s more the JEF has undoubtedly sabotaged my viewer and removed the option I normally have to sort the problem out. What more proof does one need that it is a conspiracy?
At least it saves me the fag of having to wade through 34 pages of gobbledy gook.
A disconcerting and “loony” comment. I’m holding all your comments, forthwith, for moderation. I realize that you have many computers and IP addresses and truly hope that you take a breather. I’m not your battle. I certainly don’t want to. Go for a walk, have a good meal, concentrate on your business. Hell, if you calm down, have a cup of coffee with me next week. But this, here, it ‘s not good.
The question I am asking is why no one is interested in presenting both sides of the story. I don’t understand the finer points of law and if Brummer is out of control he needs to brought to account. If Brummer is the problem, replace him. He is not the DA. And he should not be used as an excuse to derail the process of change. He should not be used to make Plett ungovernable.
The problem here is that there is no balance. The JEF has no balance. They are against the DA. They are using and abusing the “Justice” system to perpetuate the abuse of power and inequalities we have all come to accept as the way things are done. They are part of the problem.
So the question remains. What are the facts? What is objective? You can’t tell me. No one can. There is the problem. It’s nothing but a circus of irresponsible folly.
You are right about one thing – Brummer is not the DA, but you lose sight of the fact the he was apoointed by the DA and his actions were condoned by the DA – they voted and decided to take this matter to court – in fact, to prove the point that it is not JEF who is using and abusing the legal system – Brummer (supported and mandated by the DA) instituted this frivolous litigation NOT JEF – they merely opposed it. So, in fact, the DA initiated the litigation, they just did so in Brummer’s name. This is fact, objective and clear.
You do not see the purpose of JEF – it is indeed to STOP the “abuse of power and inequalities we have all come to accept as the way things are done”. And yes, the DA is not the target, but, currently in the garden route, they have shown themselves to be the perpatrators…
JEF is presenting their side of the story purely because no one else is. That is exactly why JEF is needed – if the media comes to the party and starts telling both sides of the story the public will be better informed, and that inevitably will lead to leaders being more accountable. At the moment they can basically do as they please without the fear of being publicly exposed and that leads to an abuse of power.
@ Mark
Brummer went to court to fight a personal battle with taxpayers money. He has been holding a grudge against certain ANC councillors for years and the court even pointed this out, saying that his actions were motivated by his prejudices. Change is only healthy if it is healthy. If it is rotten, it is not healthy at all. See, the problem here is the abuse of power while accusing others of abusing power. I was really hoping to see the DA take the moral high ground (as the promised in their election campaign).
What was this judgment a victory for? For truth and justice. Hopefully, this judgment will cause our leaders to consider their actions more carefully, and act according to the mandate they received from voters instead of in self interest.
If you want more facts, visit the JEF website – there are many facts that were never published in the mainstream media – which is more than likely where you get the information from to form your opinions. That is the danger – forming set opinions while only having half the information (the half THEY want you to have). Mary-Anne mentions many facts in her letter. You question these facts, yet accept the “facts” you read in the mainstream media. Why?
The 2 sides of the story is quite obvious – mainstream media tells only the one side. Here, at least you can also get to read the other side.
A bit further on the fact that Brummer lost – this is not as important as the fact that he was allowed to proceed with this litigation – that it was supported by the DA council and the Mayor, while they were well aware that the case was frivolous and without any merit whatsoever. This is the gravest concern, that they will disregard commons sense (and good advice) at huge cost to taxpayers to fight petty personal and party battles. You cannot argue that away, and you cannot say that you are OK with that? Why must this sort of behaviour by the DA not enjoy the same “sensational” media attention as for instance Julius Malema or the Arms deal? What is the difference? The amount of money involved? Because the principles remain exactly the same.
Mark read the judgment and you will see the facts speaks for itself. What more do you need to establish the facts? The courts are independent and both parties presented their respective cases to an independent judge who evaluated the evidence and made a dtermination, as simple as that. Don’t try to look for something that is not there.
It’s a long read but worth it.
Mike there have been changes in the local structures and generally change is healthy. But you are not presenting two sides to this story. You are branding yourself as being against change and contradicting everything you stand for. Why did Brummer go to court? The fact he lost is something that should be looked at. But that was a victory for what?
Lets have the facts. You are almost guilty of exactly the same bias you are accusing others of.
What are the facts? Why is it so difficult to establish what is fact and what is not? Why is hysteria and emotion used to cloud issues of fact?
Morning, Mark. Yep, lots of emotion but many, many issues raised within it. If you haven’t yet, read it in the context of http://www.knysnakeep.org/pletts-da-speaker-loses-big-time as well. DA lost on 6 accounts (not 3 as i reported) in a case they brought against the ANC. One of the points i’ve tried to ram home on this blog is that there’s 2 sides to the political story and that, until recently, there was only one incredibly bias view. My goal is to make people think, one further reason for me posting Mary-Anne’s letter.
Nou ja toe! Holier- than -thou “journalist” who are on the DA’s pay-roll. These allegations are very serious and we must do everything in our collective power to stop them from peddling lies to the general public. Shame on you Niel and Janine. Soos my ouma altyd gese het “laat dit met julle baie goed gaan!”
When will the journalist realise the immense responsibility they have to portray the news accurately, fairly and impartially. One-sided reporting does nothing but to further polarise society and stirs the flames of anger, mistrust and hatred.
Shame ons these journo’s who are willing to report like this!
Ditto! We need to make the truth count more!