The Kimberley Prospector has corrected its previous statement on social media that the full-time councillors of the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley were earning R60 000 per month. The newspaper has clarified that the true figure is closer to R66 620 per month. While part-time councillors earn R30 257 or more per month, with all benefits and not accounting for the 2023 increase.
“Do Better!” – Office of the Mayor lambast Community Newspaper
The correction comes after the spokesperson of the Office of the Mayor, Keobakile Musunse, commented in reply to The Kimberley Prospector’s response on a social media post by a Kimberley resident in the Sol Plaatje Community Forum group on Facebook, saying that no ward councillor receives a salary of R60 000 per month. The newspaper asked Musunse for the correct figure, but she refused to provide it.
The Kimberley Prospector then cited a 2019 salary structure published in the Diamond Field Advertiser on 1 March 2019, which showed that full-time councillors were earning R62 920 per month. Musunse responded that the community newspaper was lying, had an agenda, and was spreading propaganda.
Community Journalism Under Threat
The Kimberley Prospector defends its statement and raises questions on whether some officials of the Sol Plaatje Municipality have agendas against community journalism, freedom of the press and the truth.
The newspaper points to the fact that past municipal spokespersons have not responded to media inquiries from the Kimberley Prospector for years and that the municipality has generally ignored or deflected media inquiries and questions, even when questioned on social media. Instead of giving straight-up answers Mayor Kagisho Sonyoni accused the newspaper of being on a witch hunt, but he has never responded to our important questions on social media.
Blocked on Twitter
The municipality has gone so far as to block us from receiving important updates they post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Overall the municipality and some of its officials have been very hostile towards the community newspaper even going as far as asking us who the residents are that we represent and/or reference, removing us from ward groups and even gaslighting our journalists.
Musunse has since also blocked the community newspaper on Facebook.
Thabo Mothibi Transforms Media Relations, Bringing Renewed Transparency to SPM Communications
In a significant turnaround for SPM Media Communications, the newly appointed Communication Manager, Thabo Mothibi, has orchestrated a commendable shift in the responsiveness of the municipality to media inquiries. Unlike the past challenges faced by our journalists, Mothibi has adopted a fresh and proactive approach, ensuring timely responses to all queries, regardless of their critical nature or the need for clarification.
Mothibi’s tenure has witnessed a notable enhancement in communication channels between our publication and the municipality. This positive development holds the promise of addressing media censorship and disagreements promptly and professionally, fostering a more transparent and cooperative relationship between the newspaper and the municipal authorities.
Empower Your Voice, Support Community News
The Kimberley Prospector calls on everyone to support community journalism. The newspaper says that it has a responsibility to inform the public about all aspects of government and municipality, including the salaries of its elected officials, and to hold them accountable.
The Kimberley Prospector does not rely on the municipality, government, political parties, or other powerful interests for advertising revenue and therefore is not afraid to ask tough questions.
Support for community journalism remains crucial, and anyone can contribute in three ways:
- Become a Prospector: Subscribe to The Kimberley Prospector with options starting from R1 once-off, or opt for weekly and monthly contributions at kby.za.net/prospectors.
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Your support ensures the continued provision of accurate and timely news in our community. Stand with The Kimberley Prospector as it navigates challenges and delivers essential information during these uncertain times.