Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
THE Second Republic has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Press freedom, media diversity and freedom of expression as key pillars of democracy and national development, Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.
Speaking at belated World Press Freedom Day commemorations held at Herald House in Harare yesterday, Minister Ndlovu said the country has made significant strides in reforming and expanding the media sector, while embracing innovation in response to the changing global media landscape.
“Government remains fully committed to upholding media freedom, media diversity and freedom of expression as essential pillars of democracy and national development,” he said.
“Significant milestones have already been achieved in this regard, including the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act, the operationalisation of the Zimbabwe Media Commission and the licencing of more than 40 radio stations across the country.”
Minister Ndlovu commended Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Ltd for spearheading the commemorations and investing in media training and innovation through the Zimpapers Training Institute.
“Allow me at the outset to commend Zimpapers for taking the bold and pragmatic initiative to host this commemoration,” he said.
“It is indeed commendable for a media house to take the initiative to spearhead World Press Freedom Day commemorations in this manner, bringing together policymakers, journalists, students, media educators and the next generation of storytellers under one roof.”
Minister Ndlovu said the entry of media institutions into the education and training space was critical in ensuring that journalism evolves to the demands of the digital era, while maintaining professional standards and ethical values.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme is: “Shaping a future of peace: Promoting Press freedom for human rights, development and security”, which Minister Ndlovu said reflects the important role played by the media in society.
“This theme speaks directly to the role of the media in promoting peace, defending human dignity, supporting development and strengthening national and global security,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said the rise of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, online abuse, and dangerous technologies such as deepfakes presents serious threats not only to journalism, but also to social cohesion, peace, and national security.
“In this digital environment, where everyone with a smartphone can publish information instantly and easily, the role of official journalism becomes even more important,” he said.
Zimpapers Group chief executive, Mr William Chikoto, said the media has a responsibility to build trust with the public through truthful and responsible reporting.
“Today (yesterday) is about conversation, your questions and our answers, and a shared commitment to truthful information,” he said.
“So, this ‘Ask the Journalist’ event is a bridge-building platform. We are trying to create a bridge between the public and the media so that there is conversation”.
Mr Chikoto said the commemorations were also a reminder of the importance of protecting Press freedom and maintaining professionalism in journalism.
“It is important to protect the Press. It’s also a moment for us to reflect on the importance of professional journalism because the public is asking us questions: Are we really being professional? Are we really being ethical?” he said.
Mr Chikoto said the media industry remains committed to ethical journalism under the guidance of the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
“As an industry, we believe in ethical journalism, and the Zimbabwe Media Commission insists that all of us must commit ourselves to professional and ethical journalism,” he said.
Mr Chikoto also highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation in the media sector, saying traditional media institutions were adapting to changing audience habits.
“Our audiences are already digital-first, so it’s a new dispensation. We are playing catch-up,” he said.
He also said Zimpapers is investing in training facilities and nurturing future journalists through media clubs established in schools across the country.
