MBABANE:Alpheous Nxumalo,the Government Spokesperson has, thanked Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini for providing a platform to Government to correct negative narratives about the country.
In a message sent to the editor on Tuesday morning,the Government Spokesperson acknowledged that, the editor provided an opportunity to Government to fly responses on negative narratives.
“Thank you kakhulu for giving us an opportunity to fly our responses on the negative narratives about our Beloved Kingdom of Eswatini, our leadership and our tinkhundla democratic government/ the people\'s choice of governance.We are looking forward to scale our working relationship to the next level in 2024.Thank Editor”, reads part of the message sent to the editor by the Government Spokesperson.
On another note,Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini says, providing balanced news and creating a platform for those who are accused of wrongdoing to respond “is part of the this online publication and media policies” on fair,accuracy and truthful reporting.
“This publication is a member of the Press Council of South Africa and trusted by various international media organizations. We have a duty to make sure that we provide factual news and be fair. Once we report what this side is alleging this, the other side must also be provided with an opportunity to respond so that the public can receive balanced news and make their own conclusion on issues impacting their lives”, said the editor.
The editor further urged other stakeholders in the governing structures and progressive movement to challenge even opinion articles written by him through the “right to reply” principle.
“Being an editor does not mean you have the monopoly to think and your opinion is supreme and absolute over others.You can write an article to respond and dispute the contents of the editor’s opinion article by sharing your own opinion on the subject matter and by doing so, the public will enjoy the diversity of views and be informed”, said the editor.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo.