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Politicians must learn to tell the story like it is

Nie Cele

Soliciting a genuine answer from politicians is fast becoming a mission impossible.
Sometimes you’re lucky, but only if you tactfully ask a leading question or three. For the rest questions are taken far too personally, as if journalists are out to expose politicians for what they are best at which is the covert business of corrupt dealings.
The disease is spreading and the highest office in the province is not immune. It’s about time the principals taught their minions the art of giving a straight answer to media queries at a briefing, not one according to their wishful thinking.
Last week all Gauteng MECs outlined their ministry plans after the Premier’s State of the Province Address and it was no surprise that most questions went unanswered or were tactfully evaded.
Here’s an example. Question: How much will be spent to fast-track the first phase of the Gautrain rail link between Sandton and OR Tambo? Answer: It’s on schedule and has created 63 000 jobs. Repeat question.
Answer: Gautrain was not meant to be running for the World Cup.
Journalists ask questions to receive specific answers for readers but all we get for publication is the garbage cagey politicians feed us.
And because they refuse to divulge the cost of fast-tracking Gautrain, speculation is rife, with transport experts adamant the amount is astronomical.
Why call a press briefing when you know you aren’t ready to deal with questions satisfactorily? In future just send a press release that can be copied and pasted if that’s what you want, finish and klaar.

citybeat@caxton.co.za

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