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Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
The responsibility of building a positive image of the country, which is attractive to investors and tourists, should be borne by all Zimbabweans including the media, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, said yesterday.
She said this in a speech read on her behalf by her deputy, Kindness Paradza, at a breakfast dialogue on building a positive brand of the country organised by the Zimbabwe Institute of Critical Thinking.
Minister Mutsvangwa said because of that collective responsibility, Zimbabweans should not take it lightly when President Mnangagwa continues to advance the “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” mantra.
“The symbiotic relationship between the media and business in the drive to grow the economy into an upper middle-income society in the next seven years is a collective responsibility, which calls for the public sector, civic leaders, private sector, non-governmental entities and the media to come together,” she said.
“However, let me hasten to say for the media and business to thrive, peace is an important factor. This meeting comes at a critical time when the nation is about to hold the 2023 harmonised elections with a clarion call for peace and tranquillity to prevail. “I, therefore, implore the media to remain resolute in upholding ethical reporting as it ensures stability.” Minister Mutsvangwa added that the media is critical in the Brand Zimbabwe initiative as it helps educate the public and potential investors about the various opportunities that exists in the country.
“This calls for the media to build a credibility relationship with all stakeholders. I implore the media to be innovative in their reportage and develop sound strategies when writing developmental stories,” she said.
The coming in of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa had seen massive realigning of media laws with the Constitution and the subsequent growth of the industry, with new players coming in, including in the television and radio sectors that used to be a preserve for the ZBC.
Government has licenced 14 community radio stations, eight campus radio stations and six private television stations while foreigners are now allowed to hold up to 40 percent shareholding in broadcasting entities.
“I implore you all to make use of all these channels dotted across the country to grow our business and the economy through investor confidence building,” she said.
Zimbabwe Media Commission Deputy Chairperson, Mr Jasper Maphosa, said the media have an important role to play in national development.
“The media are a key ally in the development and economic growth of the country. The role of the media is intertwined with the developments of any country, Zimbabwe included,” said Mr Maphosa.
“The constellation of ideas from all Zimbabweans is needed to push Zimbabwe to the levels we all want it to be.”
In his remarks, veteran journalist Chris Chinaka also conceded that building a positive brand was a matter for all Zimbabweans.
“As a matter of fact, branding or brand Zimbabwe is a matter of collective responsibility; there is room for all of us,” he said.
Chinaka added that it was important that Zimbabweans identify and amplify the areas they agree on without concentrating on their areas of disagreement.
Online Reporter