South Africa: Forgiven? Bell Pottinger Must First Reveal It All

analysis

On Thursday night last week Bell Pottinger, the public relations firm, put out a statement apologising for some of the actions done by its employees in South Africa. It is well-known by now that it was the British firm, acting in a colonial fashion, that had come up with the narrative about "white monopoly capital". So angry were South Africans over this that they embarked on a social media campaign against the company, which led to the appointment of a law firm to conduct an "independent" investigation.

The interim data "shocked" the UK's premium spin doctors enough to respond by sacking one partner and suspending two other employees. However unexpected, or welcome, it is obvious that this will be not enough for Bell Pottinger to atone for its sins. There is still a myriad ways for the company to make good the damage it has done to all of us. Being essentially a group of cold-blooded spin-mercenaries for hire, the odds are they will not go far enough. By STEPHEN GROOTES.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.