Hlaudi Motsoeneng criticised journalists for inaccurate reporting during an interview on KykNet show Insig, which Rapport editor Waldimar Pelser presents. “Journalists don’t do what they are supposed to do,” he said.
He accused journalists of relying on each other and not finding their own facts. This results in inaccuracy, according to Motsoeneng.
He told Pelser that when the media reported on crime, it was likely to encourage young people to commit crime.
“Maybe we need to understand the role of media. The role of media is to influence the mindset of people, young and old. Let’s take example [sic] – the young ones. If you always put crime on media, you report about crime … actually what you are doing you are encouraging young people to commit crime,” said Motsoeneng.
The 11-minute video posted on YouTube on Tuesday shows Motsoeneng explaining why he was lobbying for journalists to be regulated. In it, he says: “I am lobbying big time for the country to regulate, I am lobbying for the department of communication to make sure that we regulate journalists as a whole.”
As expected, this kept everyone talking on social media with users expressing their views:
Hlaudi Motsoeneng better shut up before we get Ms. Madonsela to audit his department again.
— Akani (@AkiChabs) September 2, 2015
The Gospel according to Hlaudi Motsoeneng – pic.twitter.com/swUalpy4bs
— Mabine Seabe II (@Mabine_Seabe) September 2, 2015
Hlaudi Motsoeneng last night in Insig: If you always report on crime, you encourage young people to commit crime.
— Waldimar Pelser (@waldimar) September 1, 2015
@waldimar @andiMakinana its actually the opposite Mr Motsoeneng,if news cover more stories on crime it puts pressure on cops to make arrests
— Pedoski (@pietmashika) September 1, 2015
For all our sins, we were given Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
— Marc Davies (@MarcDDavies) September 2, 2015
Hlaudi Motsoeneng is his master’s voice. The downplaying of crime is a political project that also involves @SAPoliceService .
— Akani M (@Akanirelo) September 2, 2015
