Hmm. I guess when Alec Erwin wasn't voted back on to the ANC National Executive Committee [NEC] it must've been a bit of a 'bolt' [geddit?] from the blue. So you don't worry too hard about your job any longer because it's on the endangered species list anyhow.
Regardless, the cardinal principle in PR [go read my article] is, 'Be there!' Vladimir Putin at the time of the Kursk submarine sinking in the Barents Sea, Khaya Ngqula, CEO of South African Airways on holiday near Kruger Park while his empire was metaphorically burning, are a few of many reminders.
All in contrast to Governor of Pennsylvania, Mark Schweiker, who literally camped at the pithead when
miners were trapped underground in the Quecreek mine disaster. [see excerpt on 'read more'] Bet if Alec had still been on the ANC NEC he'd sure as hell have been back for this weekend's legotla in Midrand. Doesn't take much to turn a Cabinet Minister NAFI, does it? 
Rhone Poulenc-Rorer took strain in the 1990s when a Midrand veterinary chemical storage facility of theirs went up in flames. Media spokespeople seemed to be thin on the ground, so we were treated instead to an interview with the gate security guard!
When something's going wrong in or with your organisation and you're the designated media spokesperson, it doesn't matter what else is on your plate - serious or fun. In today's voracious media climate, if you're not there, and communicating, you risk alienating your constituents and pleasing your competitors. Beware.
Schweiker's most famous contribution as governor came in July 2002, during the Quekcreek Mine disaster in Somerset County. Governor Schweiker led one of the most successful mine rescues in national history when he personally oversaw the 77-hour operation that saved the lives of nine trapped coal miners from the Quecreek mine. Following the rescue, Governor Schweiker implemented a series of new safety procedures to provide better protection for miners.
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