Gauteng ANC partially blames media for decline in public trust in the organisation
The party believes the way its leaders are portrayed by the media is often done deliberately to damage the ANC’s reputation.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, ANC coordinator Hope Papo said that the party must defend itself. Picture: Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng has partially blamed the media for a decline in public trust in the organisation.
The party believes the way its leaders are portrayed by the media is often done deliberately to damage the ANC’s reputation.
In response, the ANC’s provincial task team has resolved to improve its relationship with the media to restore the party’s public image.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, ANC coordinator Hope Papo said that the party must defend itself.
“The media continues to portray ANC leaders as suspicious individuals in a generalised way, and this has created an attitude of public distrust towards the ANC, particularly in metros and some of the affluent sections of society. Much of the narrative surrounding the ANC has sought to portray the image of the organisation as being synonymous with mismanagement, maladministration and lack of service delivery.”
Papo said this needs to come to an end.
“This has justifiably cornered the organisation towards a more responsive and defensive public relations strategy instead of a proactive and engaging one. We don’t agree that this should be the approach.”