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Urgent answers sought on Government’s planned R1 billion TV channel

Dear Editor

The DA will submit a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the Presidency over GCIS’ plan to develop a streaming service, which will cost the taxpayer R1 billion.

In the context of unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis, the DA is appalled by reports that GCIS (Government’s Communication and Information System) has already auditioned presenters and voiceover artists, which indicates a done deal. This flies in the face of transparency, as the Presidency had not announced such plans for public scrutiny, let alone auditioning staff. Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni must urgently provide answers.

A Government streaming service is not only a waste of taxpayer funds but is also unnecessary, as GCIS already makes use of social media platforms and YouTube for its broadcasts. Parliament also shares its broadcasts on YouTube with no issues. Further, the SABC, South Africa’s Public Broadcaster, already has a streaming platform, as it seeks to make its constitutional mandate more accessible to the public. GCIS’ plans seek to contradict the SABC.

This once again demonstrates how out of touch and depth this Administration has become, with little regard for the genuine interests of South Africans. South Africans must put an end to these shambles by ensuring that they are registered to vote. Go to check.da.org.za to ensure that you are heard.

Regards

Natasha Mazzone MP
DA Shadow Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

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  2. Interview with a pirate:

    There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.

    \”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”

    \”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”

    \”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”

    \”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”

    \”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”

    \”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”

    \”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”

    \”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”