BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- Chairperson of the Editors’ Forum, Mbongeni Mbingo, has welcomed the renewed engagement between the media and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA), describing it as a reaffirmation of trust, stability and shared responsibility in serving the public. Mbingo was responding to submissions made by MVA management during a breakfast meeting with editors, where he spoke on the media’s role as a key stakeholder and bridge between the institution and the public.
Addressing MVA Chief Executive Officer Khangeziwe Mabuza and senior management, Mbingo said the media views itself not as an adversary, but as a partner entrusted with conveying accurate, responsible and truthful information to the public.
“Our task as media is largely to manage your external brand and to be your conveyor of information to your stakeholders, which is the public that you serve and engage with daily,” Mbingo said.
He emphasised that the relationship between the media and the MVA has been built over many years and is anchored on trust rather than convenience.
“We enjoy a very good relationship with the MVA. This is not because of any untoward things, but because it is a relationship built over a long period of time. Relationships are built on trust, and we work with trust with the MVA,” he said.
Mbingo acknowledged that the media has, in the past, raised concerns on behalf of the public during periods of uncertainty at the Fund, stressing that such engagement was driven by responsibility rather than hostility.
“When something happens here, it is also our role as a stakeholder to engage and ensure that what we report to the public is truthful, accurate and responsible. We share those concerns on behalf of the public,” he said.
He welcomed the current sense of stability at the Fund, noting that it benefits both the institution and the media, while ultimately serving the public interest.
“It makes us happy to know that the institution is stabilised, because it also makes our job easier. The job of the media is not always to look for the negative. Our job is to inform, educate and help build society,” Mbingo said.
Mbingo further highlighted the importance of continued openness and engagement, describing dialogue as a bridge that strengthens understanding and confidence.
“It is the manner in which we are informed of the accurate position of the institution that matters. Good relations sustain us and make our work more meaningful,” he said.
He concluded by warmly welcoming the MVA leadership and expressing confidence in the path being taken, noting that the CEO is well known and respected within media circles.
“I want to welcome you and assure you, and I am happy it is you. It is universally accepted that we all know you,” Mbingo said.
The breakfast meeting ended on a positive note, reinforcing the shared commitment between the media and the MVA to transparency, accountability and building public confidence through constructive engagement.
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