06 Feb 2013

Parliament has learnt that the one reporter and messenger reporter stationed in Palapye are adequate to provide news coverage in the village.

The Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi explained that Mmadinare was covered by one reporter who was stationed in Selebi Phikwe while Tswapong North was covered from Lerala.

He further said Tswapong South was covered from Mahalapye while Serowe North West and Serowe South constituencies were covered by the Serowe regional office. “As a result, news coverage of these villages is not compromised in any way,” he emphasised.

As a complimentary measure, Mr Masisi highlighted that his ministry has engaged internship officers as well as youth freelancers throughout the country to work with reporters in outstations to cover more villages and settlements. He said this has significantly improved news coverage throughout the country.

 Palapye legislator, Mr Moiseraela Goya had asked the minister if he was aware that Palapye had only one reporter and messenger reporter despite covering a wide area of about 18 villages in Mmadinare, Tswapong North and South as well as Serowe North West and Serowe South constituencies.

The MP had also asked the minister if he was aware that due to the many activities taking place in Palapye, news coverage of the villages was compromised and what the minister would do to improve the state of affairs. ENDS