The government, through its spokesperson Sam Rapapa who is also minister of communication, science and technology, this week announced the suspension of the commission of inquiry into the supply agreement between the government and Frazer Solar GmBH.
He went on to harangue the media for reporting on the matter, and unashamedly went as far as ordering the media to stop covering the story because the Frazer saga is sub judice.
Perhaps now is time to tell the minister to direct his bravado elsewhere and stop looking for scapegoats. The honourable minister needs to know that it is the role of the media to enhance the accountability of governments to citizens, and to inform the citizens of government’s activities, and to support marginalised groups to assert their voice; or decrease public tolerance of corruption or poor governance.
As an elected official, Mr Rapapa needs to know that, while pursuing these objectives, the ultimate goals of the media are to: raise the awareness of the citizens of Mosalemane about their rights and responsibilities as regards the role of government; investigate and expose corruption, mismanagement and waste in public institutions; empower citizens of Mosalemane that they have a right to public service without further payment.
The media is committed to the responsibilities of the media in the 21st century. These include ensuring: increased accountability through increased transparency and openness in conducting public affairs; delivery of services closer to the citizens of Mosalemane; opening up government so that there are clear lines of communication between leaders and citizens of Mosalemane, through a free and effective media; giving a voice to citizens of Mosalemane so that they shift from being passive to active participants, but also make complaints.
Mr Minister, the citizens of Mosalemane are entitled to expect clean government. They have responsibilities as well as rights. For example, it is the duty of citizens of Mosalemane to pay tax, rates and levies while it is their right to be provided with effective and efficient services such as being informed on government business dealings.
