Residents of Kimberley are urged to attend a council meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 11:00 at the council chambers at the Sol Plaatje Municipality. Ward councillors have extended a public invitation to engage with local governance, but do not offer a solution to those who cannot attend. While the public gallery is open, concerns linger about the transparency of council proceedings.
Despite the political parties’ representation in the council expressing eagerness for public attendance, there is criticism for their failure to ensure a live broadcast of meetings. This has sparked questions about the commitment to transparency, especially as these councillors boast heavily funded media teams that seem unable to livestream the sessions.
The Sol Plaatje Municipality’s communication team also faces scrutiny for not broadcasting the failures of their superiors and fellow municipal officials. The municipality’s advanced and expensive audio and video system, designed for online broadcasting, is allegedly either broken or purposely underutilized to keep council meetings secluded.
The Kimberley Prospector, a local news outlet, could potentially bridge the information gap, but financial constraints and an overwhelming workload hinder its ability to fulfil this role effectively. The Prospector emphasizes the importance of community support to enable them to provide coverage of council meetings.
In a statement, The Kimberley Prospector outlines three ways in which residents can contribute to supporting community journalism and ensure transparency in local governance:
1. Become a Prospector: Residents are encouraged to join The Kimberley Prospector’s community of supporters by subscribing. With options for contributions as low as R1 once-off, or through weekly and monthly plans, community support is deemed pivotal for sustaining local journalism. Visit kby.za.net/prospectors to subscribe and contribute.
2. Support Our Advertisers: Exclusive deals and products from local advertisers at kby.za.net/deals are promoted, with purchases not only benefiting local businesses but also contributing to the sustainability of community journalism.
3. Become an Advertiser: Local businesses are invited to promote their services and contribute to the local economy by becoming advertisers with The Kimberley Prospector. Explore advertising opportunities at kby.za.net/ads to connect with an engaged audience.
Residents are reminded that their support is crucial for the continued provision of accurate and timely news in the community. By standing together and supporting community journalism, residents can play a vital role in fostering transparency and accountability within the Sol Plaatje Municipality.
Tags: Sol Plaatje Municipality