I must admit ActionSA has a good communications team.
The new political party is always in the news for the right reasons.
There have been a few instances where it attracted media attention for the wrong reasons. Last year, Mashaba's party received bad press when its members were aggrieved that none of them were selected as councillor candidates in Soweto.
They were frustrated as they had worked hard to attract votes in that kasi.
They have since resolved the matter with the party.
Another case was that of the controversial party member, Dr Makhosi Khoza, who was elected as a Municipal Public Accounts Committee chairwoman in KZN.
The party accused her of colluding with the ANC to get that position. She has since been removed as the KZN provincial leader.
With that said, overall, the party enjoys positive media coverage.
Mashaba is more on TV and print media than President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Yet, ActionSA contested local government elections only and not in all municipalities. Why is the media giving this new kid so much coverage?
In other countries, media outlets are open about their support for political parties. I think it would be a good idea for our local media to follow the same practice.
This will help us not to accuse the media of being biased.
- Letter by Thabile Mange
