Pretoria - Government says it has noted what is has termed as "unbecoming" reportage from some media, regarding comments made by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster ministers at a briefing on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), government said the reports had deceived the public and created a negative perception regarding comments made by the ministers over President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla home.
The cluster ministers, including Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Police Nathi Mthethwa, State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, were part of a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.
According to government, 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,” it said.
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.” – SAnews.gov.za
