Stephen Robinson gives journalism a bad name - ANC

ANC RESPONSE TO PERSONAL ATTACKS ON PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA BY SOME ELEMENTS OF BRITISH MEDIA

The African National Congress read with dismay the news report about President Jacob Zuma visit to the United Kingdom.  We find it appalling that the media, in particular, Stephen Robinson, would have such a myopic view and disrespect for an official visit of a Head of State to their country.

We are confident that the views by this misplaced journalist does not contain the generally held view of the people of Britain and the government, but it is a view of a fringe rightwing minority who have no respect for international protocol.

The United Kingdom and South Africa have a relationship shaped by politics, commerce, education, culture and, most importantly, by its people.

Stephen Robinson's misplaced and unfair attack on President Zuma's character reflect his short-sightedness and lack of depth - something that can only serve to give journalism a bad name. No amount of sensationalism by Stephen will take our focus away from important and strategic issues which include strengthening of trade and diplomatic relations between South Africa and Britain.

The United Kingdom continues to support development in South Africa, both in the form of official government assistance and through various civil society formations, with the bilateral relationship growing deeper and more meaningful each year.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC national spokesperson, March 3 2010

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Criticism What the illiterates in the ANC must still learn is , IF THE CAP FITS , WEAR IT - you idiots chose this man as your leader and history seems to be repeating itself - in the successor of Juliaas Mal enema . Listen to a white man - in this . .more instance his name is Jake White - a successful man at that - he is on record as saying "Never make decisions based on emotion" which is precisely how the ANC thread pullers sew this slow poison of deception amongst its largely illiterate voting cannon fodder , to garner votes . Those wishing not to be considered illiterate or voting cannon fodder should simply cast better votes . .less by Green Room on March 04 2010, 09:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Stephen Robinson So let me understand this Jackson . What you are saying is it is myopic of Robinson to report on Jacob Zuma's own misdeeds which have effectively become a stick for JZ's own back , but when Robinson harshly criticized PW Botha in Robinson's media vehicle . .more in the 80's , it was just fine . Get real Jackson - I wish I was a dog , and you a tree . . .less by Green Room on March 04 2010, 09:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bad name? The ANC may not like what Stephen Robinson wrote, and that is their inalienable prerogative. However, the British public can read other newspapers, including those from this country, and they are quite capable of making up their own minds - they are not . .more all at the Malema level of education and intellectual prowess. In any case, Zuma is no different from any other South African citizen in the eyes of the Constitution and of the law. His words and actions are just as open to public scrutiny and fair comment as are those of any other citizen, especially one who holds public office. . .less by Dr. Angelo Lambiris on March 04 2010, 10:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

When the shoe fits.... Zuma brought this upon himself and the ANC accepted him and made him SAfrica's President and our President has become the laughing stock of the world. He is not a good example to the youth or any right-thinking person - he is a disgrace and has not . .more earned the respect of the citizens of his country or any other country. If he had any shame then he wouldn't make a fool of himself by visiting other countries. Suck it up Mr President and the ANC. . .less by Jo-Jo on March 04 2010, 12:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thank god their are still a few journalists with brass balls who value expressing their honest views, and call a spade a spade... by Bravo Stephen Robinson on March 04 2010, 15:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Robinson, an arch racist STephen RObinson is a disgraces to journalism! THis rightwing bigot and racist have the nerve in insulting our PResident because of his misguided thinking of white superiority and morality! RObinson is a fool and the only people he really pleased was . .more the racists and bigots in his own country! OUr PResident have never sanctioned a war where millions of people have died like their very own Tony Blair! F@#$%K RObinson and his racist views! I Hope Home Affairs refuse him entry into SA! . .less by Iskariot on March 04 2010, 17:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

War sanctioning Unless I am mistaken your president Iscariot (interesting nom de plume!) only a few years back was sanctioning torture,interrogation and terrorist activities out side the borders of this country. Or have I got that wrong perhaps more learned South African . .more readers will confirm or otherwise. Tony Blair by the way for better or for worse had the democratic backing of the British public which is more than your man Zuma did! . .less by Robin Africa on March 04 2010, 17:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Robin Africa (now that is an interesting nom de plume too!) You must be suffering from some serious delusion - the Iraq war was never 'democratically' backed, not by the Britsih public nor by the UN - 'Tony Blair was warned two months before the invasion of Iraq that it would be illegal to go to war without UN . .more backing' (http://www.express.co.uk/). In January 2010, during the Iraq inquiry, senior government advisors said that the action had 'no legal basis in international law'. Now, please do tell me how that could possibly be democratic? And as for Iskariot, I agree, the British, for some bizarre reason, seem to think they are superior to other nations. Until this day I fail to understand why. I observe how they live, and trust me, the manner in which it is done can at times be rather substandard and inferior. And yes, Iskariot, I share your view on your last point, that if British media, or any other British person who think it may be their 'ight' to make ignorant and unwelcome comments, to be kept as far away as possible from my country! . .less by Katrin van der Meer on March 04 2010, 21:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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