Government says the renovations to the flooring in Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane’s office are due to health related reasons.
Responding to an article published by The Star newspaper titled "Diva minister refuses to work in a carpeted office", Government Communication and Information System Acting Director-General, Phumla Williams, said it was unfortunate that the newspaper has reduced itself to sensational reporting and also gave prominence to a story that is not newsworthy on its front page.
Williams said that the journalist found it fitting to elevate a story based on an unnamed source, despite having authentic confirmation from the Department of Public Works and Minister Mokonyane’s spokesperson, Mlimandlela Ndamase, that the authorisation to remove the carpets were due to health considerations.
“This story in The Star is a form of yellow journalism, which uses eye-catching headlines for increasing sales. Despite having authentic confirmations from credible sources, the journalist chose to make it a sensational story loaded with inaccuracies.
“In the public service it is nothing unusual about such requests as government has always strived to ensure that its employees are working in a conducive environment which includes political principals,” Williams said. – SAnews.gov.za
