POLITICAL STATEMENTS
By
Edgar Malatji
Politics: Heywood (1997) defines Politics as a way
of life – we live in the midst of politics on a daily basis. Politics are
forever in the news, in fact, politics make a better part of news production
and current affairs coverage in various media platforms.
Political
statements are
all about communicating a specific message that intends to manipulate the
perceptions of an individual or masses in an effort to maintain/attain political
power and support. They (Political statements) are relatively different.
The
matter of fact is that various political organisations/parties are always
striving to score some political points let alone to maintain their political
power and support. Political parties
perceive one another as foes hence they often attempt to discredit their
respective rivals. We often come across
stories about certain political party criticising its opponent in the media.
For
example DA is overtly criticising the ANC – they recently passed motion of no
confidence against the leader of the country and ANC Jacob Zuma. DA and other
political parties in parliament passed motion of no confidence against the
state president. Those political parties were
expressing their dissatisfaction pertaining to the manner in which JZ runs the
affairs of the state: Nkandlagate, Marikana Massacre, Ambush of SA Army in CAR,
unemployment etc.
One of the conspicuous matters that
raised a severe political discourse is the Spy-tapes – The court ruled in favour of the DA.
The court order compels Jacob Zuma’s
legal team to hand over the spy-tapes that helped JZ to shrug off myriad of
corruption charges in 2009.
Political
statements are interesting – as political parties attempt to maintain, improve
or change the state quo. Internationally,
North Korean incumbent Kim Jong Un released a ferocious political statement in
which he declared war in the Korea Peninsula after the South Korean based US
Army dropped a dummy missile around North Korean boarders.
His political statement confirms that
North Korea is consolidating its powerful status in Korea Peninsula and that
they (North Korea) are not prepared to relinquish their power.
On the other hand, Central African
Republic rebel leader Michael Djotodia – released a political statement stating
that he will be in power as the president of CAR for the next three years.
That
took place immediately after the ousting CAR President Mr Francois Bozize. Locally,
Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa- Nqakula was defensive about the gruesome
deaths of SA troops in Bangui.
Instead of conceding defeat the minister
emphasised that the troops who succumbed to an ambush by Seleka soldiers showed
courage and bravery.
Political
parties normally release plethora of political statements during the election
campaigns: Manifestos and Mass Demontrations.
• Language
(codes and signs) used in political statements:
•
The codes and signs used in the
political statements are often more: Offensive, Provocative, Bias,
Defensive, Subjective, Untruthful, inaccurate, manipulative
and Partial.
•
Relationship
between Propaganda and Political Statements
•
There
is a thin line between Propaganda and Political states:
•
Press Conferences by Political parties
•
Statement by film director
•
Political parties’ manifesto
•
Advertisements in the media – Banks
•
Opinion articles on print media
•
Subjective studies e.g. White women are
more attractive than their black counterparts.
•
Group Assignment
•
Question:
Provide a detailed Analysis of print and electronic discourse. Support your
analysis with relevant examples.
•
Two Pages typed excluding cover page:
Font size 12
•
Provide References
•
Submission Date: 02 MAY 2013
