Peter strikes again...

In light of yet another damning personal attack on myself by Midrand Reporter journalist Peter Ramothwala, I would like to publicly state on this blog that it truly saddens me that the long term standing relationship, developed over time between the fledgling Radio Midrand and the local weekly newspaper appears in tatters.

Over the past three years, Midrand Reporter has done much to assist me as the Founder and Project Manager of Radio Midrand in keeping the public aware of the station's application process and progress. To this end, I sincerely thank them, and with that in mind, I am stating that under no circumstances whatsoever am I or the station going to be drawn into a mud slinging match with people who I once regarded as friends. It is with a sincere heart too that if there be means to heal the rift, then show me the way.

It's the old cliche'... Life is too short.

Midrand Reporter did not afford me suitable opportunity to put over my side of the story and produce the documentation to prove the truth in the matter of Mr. Grant Shakoane and the Sunday presenters. Instead, they chose to take a one sided approach based on the false testimony of a few disgruntled individuals.

It could be argued that I should simply produce the documentation and prove who is right and who is wrong. This paperwork is freely available to whoever wants to see it, but out of a deep respect to Mr. Shakoane, I am not prepared to hang anyone out publicly in the manner in which I have been. What difference would it make anyhow? Ramothwala has proven constantly his inability to write the truth. It's only sensationalism that he's interested in. However, if he has a fraction of integrity, then I invite him to sit down in front of me face to face and let me show him the true facts and let him write as much accordingly. Further, Caxton Publications might want to consider making him do it in order to display their integrity, seeing as they saw it fit to allow Mr. Ramothwala use of their publication to springboard a personally attack against an individual.

Have I ever used the airwaves to slate Mr. Ramothwala or anyone else for that matter? Do you think I'm likely to?

There are now two media in town and Midrand Reporter has to learn to accept it. Midrand is a huge community and there is certainly room for both. One provides the news, the other entertains. Where's the problem?

As mature adults, both media need to sit down, have a cup of coffee and discuss how to formulate a collaboration and re-establish the once great working relationship they both had in the past for the betterment of the community. My hand of friendship is extended. Should Midrand Reporter not wish to extend theirs, then here's my other cheek... Take your best shot. I chose to put the station in Midrand, so best I roll with the punches.

Rumours of closure and financial lack at Radio Midrand are not true, but there have certainly been some scary moments and we're not out of the thick as yet. Radio Midrand is here and here to stay as long as the community and business get behind the station and allows it to serve the people of this area with the respect, dignity and hopefully the enjoyment they deserve.

God bless you.

Scott Smith