adminPost Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Union of Journalists has been urged to come up with empowerment initiatives for journalists to improve their welfare.Speaking at the belated Manicaland World Press Freedom Day commemorations organised by ZUJ recently, the guest of honour, businesswoman and Zanu-PF Women’s League national executive member, Cde Letina Undenge, said empowerment of journalists was critical in their plight for independence.
This year’s commemorations were running under the theme; “An empowered journalist and independent journalist.”
“In most cases Press freedom in Zimbabwe is inclined to editorial policy. However, within that editorial policy it is important for journalist to be independent and credible to the public . . .
“Empowerment initiatives for journalists therefore become important as your impartiality as the watchdog of society can be compromised if your welfare is not well catered for,” said Cde Undenge who is the director of a leading gambling venture, Star Lotto and Panache Enterprises, a protective clothing manufacturing concern.
She urged ZUJ to come up with empowerment projects that will generate income for the association so that it can independently organise its annual awards and any other programmes for journalists.
“How many journalists own a mine or a farm? Those that have the expertise and interest should be assisted through ZUJ. The baseline for Press freedom should be economic empowerment of journalists,” she said.
Manica Post News Editor, Cletus Mushanawani urged journalists not to abuse their powers.
“We should strive to be factual and balanced. Let us not scandalise issues for personal gains,” he said.
Mushanawani added that journalists should not hide behind their pens, but also take up empowerment initiatives as citizens of Zimbabwe.
He also urged female journalists to pull up their sleeves and not expect leniency in the newsroom because of the gender balance policy.
ZUJ Manicaland chairman, Oliver Karuru said the commemorations were important for fostering relations with the community who are the consumers of news.
On the day journalists from both public and private media shared their experiences with invited students from tertiary institutions.
Celebrated on May 3 every year, the World Press Freedom Day commemorations celebrate the fundamental principles of Press freedom and evaluate Press freedom around the world.
Online Reporter