If Gauteng MEC of education Panyaza Lesufi had delivered the address on Tuesday instead of Motshekga many citizens, especially those in the province, would have been less anxious and be more trusting, writes Lorato Tshenkeng.
Many South Africans were disappointed by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga’s long-overdue address on Tuesday night when she announced the plan to reopen schools next month.
If Gauteng MEC of education Panyaza Lesufi had delivered the address on Tuesday instead of Motshekga many citizens, especially those in the province, would have been less anxious and be more trusting.Perhaps, my expectations prepared me in advance. I understand the minister’s role to be that of providing a framework intended to standardise the management and response that ensures the safety of both teachers and pupils as per the department’s mandate.
The response to Motshekga’s plan with increased anxiety definitely talks to a deeper problem – the general distrust of politicians and their intentions. These stem from a long list of disappointments with lacklustre service delivery and inconsistent communication. Some in my circle, including communicators and journalists, perceive Lesufi as loving the media attention because he is always available for media interviews. But in my books, he is a classic example and case study that “public relations is what you do and not what you say”. He is always ready and willing to use mass communication channels to speak to Gautengers.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
No ‘matric camps’: Western Cape education dept lays out its plan for reopening schoolsThe basic education department has decided to trim the curriculum as they believe not all schools can catch up and only essential concepts required for progression to the next grade will be taught.
Read more »
KZN government greenlights reopening of schoolsThe plan for the reopening of schools, presented by Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu, was approved during an ordinary sitting of the provincial executive council.
Read more »
It's official: Schools will reopen on June 1 for matrics and grade 7sSouth African schools will reopen on June 1 - starting with grade 12 and 7 pupils.
Read more »
It's official: Schools will reopen on June 1 for matrics and grade 7sThis is according to basic education minister Angie Motshekga, who was speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday evening.
Read more »
Mmusi Maimane launches petition against 'gambling with children’s lives'Maimane said the launch of the petition was to send a “strong message” to the government that they could not make “rushed, ill-advised and half-baked decisions” that could affect the safety and health of children.
Read more »
Mmusi Maimane launches petition against 'gambling with children’s lives'Former DA leader Mmusi Maimane has launched a petition to keep schools shut after basic education minister Angie Motshekga’s announcement that schools across the country would reopen in June
Read more »