The African National Congress (ANC) on Sunday slammed media organisations that published allegations, apparently erroneous, that President Kgalema Motlanthe was in a relationship with a 24-year-old woman.
ANC spokesperson Carl Niehaus, in a statement, called the allegations ”an indication of how low some media organisations are prepared to stoop in the name of public interest”.
On January 25, the Sunday Independent published a story on its front page about two women Motlanthe was allegedly romantically involved with — neither of whom was his wife.
The paper reported that the younger of the two, 24-year-old Kelebogile Mmokwa — incorrectly identified as ”Lebo Makoe” — ”is believed to be in the final stages of pregnancy with [Motlanthe’s] child”.
This weekend, the Sunday Independent ran another article in which Mmokwa said her story was a fabrication. When asked why she had lied, Mmokwa reportedly said: ”I told you what you wanted to hear”.
”[This] is a clear demonstration of how glibly media accept information as facts if it goes to satisfy the agenda of some newspaper editors and owners,” said Niehaus.
”Not only is this practice unethical, but it goes to show a lack of objectivity, bias and an intent to harm the good image of respected leaders of the calibre of Kgalema Motlanthe.
”The ANC deplores this practice which gives journalism a bad name,” said Niehaus.
Niehaus called for an investigation by the press ombudsman and the South African National Editors’ Forum.
Meanwhile, Motlanthe on Sunday indicated he will not take legal action against the woman for falsely claiming the he had impregnated her.
Briefing the media at Tuynhuys in Cape Town, Motlanthe said he would not have the time to pursue the legal route.
”I think I have more than enough on my plate to be dealing with that. I … will drop a line to the press ombudsman — he has the time, authority and responsibility to look into those kinds of indiscretions,” he said. — Sapa