22 Nov 2013

Government has noted unbecoming reportage from some media houses that deceive the public and create a negative perception regarding comments made at yesterday's briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Ministers over President Jacob Zuma's Nkandla home.

The media reports have completely misconstrued the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa's comments about the publication of pictures of President Jacob Zuma's home in KwaZulu-Natal. The reportage is out of context and provides a disingenuous view to the public.

Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams, said, "Government has no problem with the media publishing pictures of National Key Points, including President Jacob Zuma's Nkandla residence, as it is part of their daily line of duty. However, zooming into safety and security features of National Key Points is a challenge as it compromises national security. The publication of security features of President Jacob Zuma's home directly opens access to and can obviously pose a threat and risk to the personal safety of the Head of State."

"The media is urged to refrain from publishing any security features of National Key Points, and calls on media houses to promote responsible journalism which does not seek to compromise national safety,' said Williams.

Statement issued by Phumla Williams, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), November 22 2013

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter