Know the truth and the truth shall set you free

Iread an article in ht ZO published on 19 November 2021, penned by Dr Khaya Gqibithole, on the role of the media in balancing its reporting pertaining to service delivery as it affects all classes.

All things being equal, I tend to think that the first thing to do in our country is to openly concede that the ruling party has failed to govern, render service delivery, and manage public funds.

This answers the simple question, ‘What is the problem in the first place?’

It would be unfair to blame the media for the plight of anyone, given the fact that the media is not involved in the politics or administration of the country’s affairs but, as a business venture, ought to publish stories that attract customers.

I don’t think media outlets are by nature charities, though the cardinal principle in journalism is ‘truth above all else.’

Political will is the cornerstone of development, progress and sustainable prosperity in any territory; without it as a key element, all things will collapse, implode, and be in a shambles.

Regarding the assumption that toyitoying often also benefits those who do not participate in it, I wonder how even the so-called poor ever benefit from such activity.

The truth is, most politicians and some officials see and take political affiliation and involvement as a shortcut to selfenrichment, and the sooner we realise that, the better.

It is true that our country has backlog issues in terms of development, but the plight of the people has been deliberately worsened by the liberation movement itself. To shift the blame is missing the mark intentionally.

While we are all fond of the truth, when truth points home, it becomes painstakingly unpalatable, bitter, and indeed a hard pill to swallow.

As ancient sages and seers have advised us, ‘the truth shall set you free’.