ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

22 JANUARY 2023

 

SUNDAY TIMES APOLOGISES FOR SPREADING LIES ABOUT MAYOR KAUNDA

 

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has noted the apology by the Sunday Times newspapers following publication of false and unsubstantiated report that Kaunda was on holiday in Cape Town while the city was grappling with the issue of sewer spillages.

 

 

Mayor Kaunda had demanded an apology and retraction from the Sunday Times following the newspaper’s publication of lies and misinformation on two occasions.  

The paper has also withdrawn its incorrect statement that the mayor was booked and performing during December.  

The apology reads: “After consultation with this newspaper’s editor, Hogarth would like to unreservedly apologise to eThekwini municipality mayor Mxolisi Kaunda for stating as fact that he spent his holiday break in Cape Town when Hogarth had no evidence of that.  

 

“Hogarth also withdraws an earlier claim that the mayor, who is also a music artist, was booked for performances during a period when the city was battling with a sewage crisis. Next time he is in the Banana City, Hogarth offers to go swimming with the mayor at any of the city’s beaches.”

In his response, mayor Kaunda called for more checks and balances in the media to avoid having newsrooms that push a particular political agenda at the expense of journalistic ethics.  

 

"We look forward to receiving a similar apology from ActionSA leader Zwakele Mncwango who jumped on the bandwagon of this misinformation campaign," concluded Kaunda.

 

Issued by eThekwini Municipality Communications Unit. For more information kindly contact the Municipality’s Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220 or Mayoral Spokesperson Mluleki Mntungwa on 060 974 1140