GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Last Wednesday morning, SABC's Morning Live show was broadcast from Graaff-Reinet, featuring reporter Leanne Manas on the empty Nqweba Dam with a selection of local dignitaries and others involved in managing the current water crisis.

Representatives of both commercial and emerging farmers' associations gave input on how they have been affected by the drought. 

Ali Sablay from Gift of the Givers spoke about the eight boreholes that the organisation has established at schools for the community, and a teacher from a local school gave examples of some of the problems the school faces. 

Derek Light spoke on behalf of the Graaff Reinet Economic Development Forum, and the acting director of engineering and planning, Ivor Berrington, as well as Cllr Penn Koeberg and then Mayor Deon de Vos spoke on behalf of the local municipality.

SABC team ignorant
Reaction to the programme on local Facebook groups saw many residents disappointed in the poor preparation of the presenters, particularly citing the information given that the problem is not affecting the town itself, but only the townships. 

Spandauville resident Mbulelo Tini summed it up in his post: "I want to set the record straight regarding the water issue, yesterday I heard on SABC that the only places that are affected by lack of water are previously disadvantaged areas, which is not the truth - the whole Graaff Reinet is affected," he posted on 21 November. 

A resident of the horseshoe area, who did not wish to be named, told the Advertiser that she was very upset when she watched the interview. "We haven't had water for almost a week at home or work," she said.

Derek Light agreed that the interviewers were ill-informed, but thought that the mayor and others interviewed relayed the correct information. "One is grateful for the exposure, but it is essential that accurate reporting occurs. We want a positive message in the media; our community is united by the crisis and in the resolve to find short- and long-term solutions," he said.

Clarify issues
There was some criticism that the mayor was not part of the original line-up of interviewees, but he explained to the Advertiser that Koeberg is directly involved in assisting with water tankers and the department responsible as portfolio councillor.

According to the acting communications officer for the municipality, Wilca Smith, the SABC decided as to who should be interviewed, and the municipality was requested to be part of the panel discussion.

"The municipality had an opportunity to clarify issues which seem to be misunderstood by communities," said Smith. "It is of concern to the municipality that not all residents seem to understand the actual extent of the drought crisis.

The municipality hopes that the message through the SABC reaches the broader community as well as others who wish to assist with the situation."

"My concern is when some of the people want to politicise everything," de Vos added. "The whole community is affected, and it should not be seen as trying to score political points.

Everyone should be working together to find a solution." He did agree that the municipality needs to improve its communication, and said that this programme was part of it. "If we don't change our habits of how we use water, we may be faced with our own Day Zero," he concluded.

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