While Makana Municipality's Standing Rules of Order prohibit members of the media from taking photographs of council proceedings, with special permission obtained from the municipal manager's office this prohibition may be waived.

While Makana Municipality's Standing Rules of Order prohibit members of the media from taking photographs of council proceedings, with special permission obtained from the municipal manager's office this prohibition may be waived.

This was confirmed by Makana Municipal Manager Ntombi Baart this week after Grocott's Mail photographers were prevented from taking photographs during a special council meeting two weeks ago. It was during this meeting when the municipality's 2011/12 final budget was approved.

The photographers were stopped from taking photographs and were informed what they were doing was in violation of the council's Rules of Order.

Baart said that in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of Order members of the media may request special permission from her office in writing.

She added that she would consider such requests favourably.

This set of rules was approved by the Makana council in 2010 to regulate the conduct of its meetings.

Rule 21 of the rules prevents members of the public, including the media from taking photographs or recording council proceedings.

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