We're not for sale

| Friday June 7, 2013 00:00

MIH the biggest media company in this country holds various interests in other publications among them our sister publication The Monitor, other weeklies The Guardian and The Midweek Sun. The inner workings of our mother company remain the preserve of the management of the company, however we find it prudent that we help clear any misconceptions that may result from this news story, regarding our position as a publication.

To fully understand this publication, where it stands in this country and what it is about, one cannot ignore our illustrious history. This paper was founded by visionaries with what some might call lofty ideas of an independent press dedicated to not just its readership, but most importantly to its community. Mmegi is not your typical private publication, we are a special publication and a vital institution in this country both historically and most importantly now and for the future. This is because this publication was founded on progressive ideals. Mmegi was founded by activists - community activists - not financial sharks or fly-by-night investors looking for a quick buck, or to pull political power in the Rupert Murdoch style. From its humble beginnings in Serowe as nothing but a community organisation, to its early years as a struggling small newspaper, which often faced the danger of closure, to its position now, as part of the leading private media company in this country, and one of this country's leading publications, Mmegi takes its central position in the Republic and the responsibility that comes with this position very seriously.

The heritage bequeathed us from such veterans as Patrick van Rensburg, places specific responsibilities upon this publication to at all times defend the defenceless, propagate a much more equitable Botswana society and if need be stand against any threat to that vision. In pursuit of this vision we have become a trusted voice for the voiceless.

We have grown to be a profitable company and a major player in the country's economy. You, as the reader, expect us to be much more than just a company up for sale to the highest bidder. We are not for sale. Our biggest asset remains our special role in this society, and the vision we have inherited from those who founded this publication. Every individual in this publication - from the shareholder to the driver/messenger - understands the immense role that this publication plays in the development of this fledgling nation. While we seek profits as a company, our core principles keep our heart beating. There will never be a day when Mmegi, the name, the indispensable conductor of public discourse, will be available for use by parochial political or even commercial interest hostile to our founding values. In short, this publication is not for sale.

                           Today's thought

             'Whoever controls the media, controls the mind.'

                             - Jim Morrison