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I am rather bewildered by the backlash and utter disrespect levelled at the journos who covered the All Boys Nkandla Tea Party. Equally baffled by how the condescension displayed towards Samkelo by the one who spoke on behalf of the Tea Party is met with such jubilation...
By the way. Any person enthusiastic and au fait with politics qualifies to identify as a ‘political animal’ and this includes journalists too...
The disposition of the Tea Party spokesperson seeks to suggest the Tea Party attendees had not caucused a solid position on what to communicate to the media and society at large ...
It would appear he was ordered to go dismiss the media and tell them the tea was nice and sweet . I can see the dismissive gestures from some of the attendees, accompanied by the corresponding high school boyish giggles as this instruction was given..
The spokesperson had no substance nor concrete message to convey to the media . Hence the ramble about Africans not needing to make appointments to meet blah blah.
As someone who had nothing to communicate . Considering he too was not even part of the discussions. Instead of accepting his fate. That, moer I’m about to go live on television to make a grand fool of myself as I am about to announce and report on nothing...
He succumbed to the whims of the ego and opted for condescension. He missed an opportunity to ingratiate himself and distinguish himself as a spokesperson who can think on his feet to salvage a situation.
The following would have sufficed :
Members of the media , your presence is appreciated and so is the long, tedious journey you have travelled for the ‘tea’.
Members of the media , your presence is appreciated and so is the long, tedious journey you have travelled for the ‘tea’.
Given the well documented ‘colourful’ history shared by the former President, President Jacob Zuma and the president of the EFF CIC Julius Malema ; this gathering was bound to attract and arouse media attention .
It comes as no surprise therefore that as you are gathered here , you all have expectations and burning questions pertaining to the detail of this meeting.
A sentiment I would like to think is shared by the rest of the country. I don’t wish to preempt your questions nor counter any objections. However, before you start with your questions please allow me to present this bit of bad news to you.
It is regrettable that I have to disappoint you and the society at large as I am in no position to articulate any position or view pertaining to the discussions that took place .
I am in no position to share with you the items or topics that were covered. I have no tea to spill. At least not at this stage . However I remain hopeful the discussions shall be made public in due course. I can however confirm, the tea party went well.
The End...
The argument ‘media was not invited’ or ‘media invited itself’ doesn’t hold and should not be entertained . If the parties concerned did not desire media attention. The entire tea party could have been a covert operation.
Pointing at the folly of others should not be used as an opportunity to attack their person or integrity. We are all fallible.
