By OBAKENG MAJE
The late City Press journalist, Poloko Tau (41) was described as a critical thinker, curious and always had a hunger for news. Tau, who passed away on 21 January 2022, was buried on his birthday at his hometown of Makgobistad near Mahikeng on 29 January 2022.
Even though details surrounding his death are sketchy, many ‘believe’ that Tau might have been strangled to death. It is alleged that the window at Tau’s house was broken and there were dribbles of blood where his body was found.
The executive mayor of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said they have organised a memorial lecture to remember Tau as he was an “epitome of principled journalism”.
“We want to say to the sons and daughters of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District that, we see you, we hear you. You are part of us and let us partner. In fact, I encourage all of them to come home and approach us so that together, we craft a partnership on behalf of our people.
“We are humbled by the good citizenry work that they do. So, we have resolved to start with those who are in the media space as they are our mouthpiece and of the community at large.
Molefe said they do not see journalists as enemies, but as part of them. He said journalists help them to disseminate messages to the public.
“The agenda is not corruption as it is a side issue. The agenda is to communicate the message of hope through qualitative service delivery to our people.
“So, we really see the media as part of us. As the new leadership, we want to embrace them and that is how we are going to move forward henceforth,” Molefe said.
The Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta shared the same sentiments. Jafta said even though they mourn the death of “PK” as Poloko Tau was affectionately known in the media fraternity, they also gathered here to celebrate his life.
“You must take note that there are few corrupt individuals who breathe ‘sigh of relief’ after hearing about Tau’s demise. The intolerant, narrow-minded, scathed and defensive individuals watched us laid to rest the man who never left them alone and exposed the malfeasance affecting service delivery.
“Those are haters of freedom of speech. Tau fearlessly investigated a multi-million contract of the Gupta linked company, Mediosa. He told stories that were most mattered with bravery and in the most inordinate way,” he said.
Jafta said the City Press newspaper is at its strongest because of Tau. He further said, Tau must not only be remembered as an impeccable and brave journalist, but also as a determined Community Development Practitioner.
The City Press news editor, Timothy Molobi said: “Today, I want to talk about Tau the professional. We have worked with him and he was at the forefront during the Marikana Massacre.
“I had mixed feelings when I heard that the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality had organised a memorial lecture for him. I asked myself if it is the same municipality when Tau asked for interviews did they regard him as an enemy?
“Last story he proposed to do was to interview the current speaker of the municipality, who was at the forefront, while people illegally occupied Bop flats in Mahikeng before she became a speaker,” said Molobi.
He said Tau wanted to ‘paint a picture’ of whether she will still be at the forefront and ensure that people are getting accommodation because she has now been elected as the municipal speaker.
“Unfortunately, the interviews never materialised because the speaker kept on dilly-dialling. As the members of the media, we are seen as enemies because we dig deeper and unearth corruption that is happening.
“People should regard us as part of problem-solving. You know, sometimes, I do not blame communication officers because they are told what to say and what not to say,” he said.
Molobi said even though they do not know what happened to Tau, they will leave no stone unturned.
“The Tau family, we promise that we will dig deeper and leave no stone unturned. This is an honour for what the municipality has done. However, we honour people, while they pass away.
“Poloko was one of the best journalists the province has ever produced. Also, people need to understand that the media is the watchdog, so they should not see us as enemies,” said Molobi.
Tau’s former colleague and a friend, Tiro Ramatlhatse said he was honoured to have worked with Tau. Ramatlhatse left people in stitches as he reminisced his working experiences with Tau especially, while covering the news during the Marikana Massacre in Rustenburg in 2012.
North West Media Awards founder and the North West Press Club coordinator, Ananius Ndlovu, said they will declare 17 February as Poloko Tau Day.
The Guardian 