Mbeki's xenophobic response too late - Financial Times

His criticism was part of a day in which the overwhelming theme was critical of the government's handling of its public and media relations.

It is easy to write such a statement; it could be done in two, three minutes. The news cycle is so fast that immediate responses are vital, Russel said. Most journalists truly try to be fair, but they need contact and information.

He asked President Mbeki during an interview why the touted Presidential Press Corps did not get off the ground and the president had said that he was very disappointed with a leak during its development. But, said Russell, that is not a reason not to go ahead with its establishment. Just lumping all journalists together is not the way.

Blood from stone

Although there were some good government spokesmen, most simply did not cooperate. Getting information from government was like getting blood from a stone.

Perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt from Jacob Zuma. He finds himself in an awkward situation and yet gives media interviews freely and his image has certainly changed.

Russell said when he first came to South Africa in 1993, it was easy to speak to the ANC leaders. One could just walk into Nelson Mandela's office and having such leaders to dinner was possible.

But when he returned in 2006, the situation had soured and access is now very difficult. But, this probably happens to all parties that have been in power for a while.

Will the new openness toward the media from Zuma last beyond the next election, Russell asked.

For more:

• Has Government communication failed SA over xenophobic attacks? [poll]
  
• [IMFSA] Key communication trends [blog post]
  
• [IMFSA] Lessons learnt… ANC deputy president responds
  
• ANC deputy president condemns “ugly, barbaric” attacks [article]
  
• Communications chaos over xenophobia crisis [article]
  
• Aggregrating online coverage of xenophobic attacks [article]
  
• ‘Xenophobic attacks hurt SA's image abroad' [article]
  
• SA press freedom not under threat - Pahad [article]
  
• Launch of MediaClubSouthAfrica.com [article]
  
• [IMFSA] Lessons in how to deal with the media [blog post]
  
• [IMFSA] SA needs to capitalise on positive stories more [blog post]
  
• [IMFSA] Xenophobia threatens progressive society - Pahad [blog post]
  
• Business, tourism leaders call for decisive action on attacks [article]