THE words ‘good luck, sisi’ marked the end of what a reporter describes as an uncomfortable telephone conversation with Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini, following a story questioning the council’s handling of concerns raised by creatives.
The call came after an earlier telephone conversation between the reporter and ENCAC Communications Officer Mxolisi Dlamini, during which an attempt was made to explain the editorial reasoning behind the article titled ‘CEO goes live, but questions remain’.
During the earlier conversation, the reporter explained that the story focused on the nature of the Facebook live engagement advertised by ENCAC and the absence of direct responses to questions raised by viewers.
However, the discussion became tense, with the reporter feeling that there was little opportunity to fully explain the reasoning behind the story as the communications officer’s tone was raised.
Concerned that the discussion was becoming unproductive due to what appeared to be a breakdown in communication, the reporter suggested that the matter be escalated to the respective editors.
The CEO subsequently contacted the reporter, expressing anger over the article and questioning why he had not been approached for comment before publication.
“I am angry. The article you wrote says we did not address the Isitha issue. If you wanted answers, why didn’t you call me?” he said.
The article followed a Facebook live session hosted by Dlamini on the council’s official page on Tuesday, after ENCAC had invited creatives and members of the public to bring forward their concerns and engage directly with him.
The invitation stated: “Got questions that need answers? Issues you want heard? Bring them along and join the conversation, this is your chance to speak directly with the CEO.”
However, during the broadcast, Dlamini delivered an address focusing on the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACAs), the council’s mandate and its support for artists participating in cultural exchange programmes.
One of the questions raised by viewers concerned allegations surrounding local artists who travelled to South Africa for filming on the popular television drama ‘Isitha the Enemy’.
During the live session, Dlamini explained that artists recommended for development programmes received support covering accommodation, travelling logistics and personal allowances.
During the telephone conversation, he maintained that these remarks addressed the concerns surrounding the production. “I think the live did respond to the issue of Isitha because I said across the board, when we place our artists in cultural exchange programmes, we ensure their accommodation, travelling logistics and personal allowances are taken care of,” he said.
The reporter explained that the story was not suggesting that the CEO had made no remarks about artists’ welfare, but rather that viewers who had been encouraged to bring forward questions did not receive direct responses during the broadcast.
Dlamini, however, argued that he had not promised an interactive question-and-answer session, saying the communication had also indicated that he would deliver a special address.
The CEO further questioned why this publication had proceeded with the story without first seeking clarification from him.
“Why would you go and publish information when you know that you have a direct line with me? Why didn’t you call? Does it make you happy that you wrote a story that I failed to answer questions?” he asked.
Dlamini also questioned the importance attached to the story, asking whether the reporter considered it necessary to publish what had been written.
He maintained that journalists should report concerns raised by members of the public while giving the people or institutions concerned an opportunity to respond.
He acknowledged that the issue raised by creative Khulekani Baphelele Mamba regarding access to ENCAC’s sound system and mobile stage had not been addressed during the broadcast.
As the conversation continued, the reporter maintained that the article was based on the council’s public invitation, the broadcast and the concerns raised by creatives, rather than an attempt to take sides.
The conversation eventually ended with Dlamini saying he believed the two parties did not understand each other. “Anyway, I think asivani. I think you did what was good for your audience and good luck, sisi,” he said.
Journalists are not dolls – ESNAJ
THE Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) has condemned what it describes as veiled threats against one of its members, saying it will defend journalists against intimidation.
ESNAJ President Lwazi Dlamini said the association was disturbed by the alleged threats, which he attributed to a person of Stanley Dlamini’s stature.
He said journalists played an important role in society and deserved to be respected in the course of their work, particularly when holding public officials accountable.
“As ESNAJ we condemn the veil threats to our member by a person of Stanley Dlamini’s stature and we believe this is uncalled for and very disturbing. Journalists are not dolls to be thrown around or objects to be ridiculed.
They play an important role in society and deserve to be respected in their line of duty. One of the duties of journalists is to hold public officials accountable.
It is only officials who believe they are beyond reproach and cannot be held accountable who have the nerve to spew such ridiculous and outdated threats to journalists.
We are not taking these threats lightly. We can assure Mr Dlamini and all his ilk that we will defend our members against threats and will not be intimidated,” he said.
