The cards were a hoax and written/signed by some prominent
members of parliament. In an attempt to be humorous some of the messages/wishes
in the cards exposed the lack of confidence in the President that his colleagues
have in him as well as the envy and rivalry going on in the government. I am
all for laughter as it is healthy for the soul, however there is a line between
humour and disrespect.
Is it not enough that South Africa’s worldly issues and the appalling
state our ‘democratic’ government is in happens to already be splashed our
across news room board meeting tables? I
find it disturbing that our very own South Africans have the time to scorn the
leader of their country yet on the other hand they sing the praise of President
Obama. Do you not think that if we spent more time uplifting Zuma and
encouraging him, then he to could deliver just as much as his fellow
counter-part?
From a communication perspective, articles such as the above
printed within the pages of such a reputable newspaper (Mail and Guardian) make
attracting tourists a job as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. When the
perception of a country is negative and openly portrayed by the citizens
themselves, people abroad immediately close off the possibility of visiting the
country. Public Relations is the
management of such perceptions yet, before it can be managed it has to be
repaired.
What people don’t understand is that while bad-mouthing the country
and the President for any reason may alleviate their grievances, it distraughts
all the positive communication sent out by highlighting our countries attributes.
So, before you speak ask yourself if it will hinder or help.
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