Online Reporter
Last Monday, a significant meeting unfolded at the State House in Harare, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa engaged with Editors representing a spectrum of media outlets. This was such a rare opportunity for the news leaders to engage directly with the Head of State.
With the invited Editors waiting anxiously in the meeting room, the President stepped in, shortly after 10am, and warmly directed his guests to take their seats. “You may be seated,” he said, his voice steady and authoritative.
The Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba set the tone of the meeting by asking Editors to introduce themselves and their respective media organisations. During the introductions, the Head of State and Government would occasionally interject with jokes, inviting bursts of laughter from those in the room.
Earlier in the waiting room, Mr Charamba had indicated to the Editors that the meeting would not be framed around any theme or restricted to any selected areas of discussion. “It’s a no-holds-barred interactive session. Feel free to ask His Excellency any questions,” he declared, adding: “In fact, His Excellency has asked me to tell you to ask him any questions.”
The expressions on the Editors’ faces revealed a mix of surprise and amazement. This was not going to be the guarded interaction they had anticipated.
It was time for the President to address the gathering. In a tone that blended warmth with togetherness, he said: “You represent different ownership, editorial paths, and tendencies, which, in sum, constitute our media industry. But the common denominator we have is that we are all Zimbabweans.”
As he leaned forward thoughtfully, the President expressed his desire for more frequent meetings, emphasising the importance of understanding the media’s challenges and perspectives. “I am very much aware of the media industry having to survive in a very complex and challenging environment, where many things have and continue to change,” he continued.
Furthermore, the President noted a seismic shift in reader, viewer, and listener behaviour, largely influenced by technological advancements. “The old media is dead, and with it, old modes, models, and ways of doing business in the media,” he stated, underscoring the urgent need for adaptation.
The President acknowledged the complexities of the political landscape, characterised by constant change. He highlighted the media’s role in navigating these challenges. “Society expects Editors to be in the know and to offer directional insights on the political and economic trajectory,” he remarked.
His observations about the media’s interpretations, particularly about the country’s politics drew chuckles from the room: “Some political issues you report well, others with quite some dramatic imagination!”
With a spirit of collaboration in mind, President Mnangagwa encouraged the Editors to discuss anything openly. “Everything is on the table,” he said. “If any matter is raised which might verge on the sensitive, I will still engage. I appeal to you to exercise responsibility in the national interest.”
As the formal remarks by the President concluded, the meeting transitioned into an open interactive session. Journalists seized the opportunity, firing a barrage of questions covering a wide array of topics.
From inquiries about the push for President Mnangagwa to extend his term to 2030, perceived internal factional struggles within the ruling Zanu-PF party, to the country’s economy and regional politics, the questions reflected the media’s critical role as a watchdog.
“I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me to extend my term to 2030,” quipped the President when further pressed to comment on the push by the ruling party to extend his Presidential term by two years despite him reiterating he would step down in 2028.
When I asked him what would keep him awake at night, he immediately shot back: “I don’t stay awake at night, I sleep.”
The Editors also sought clarity on various issues, including the President’s relationship with businessman Wicknell Chivhayo and allegations of corruption, as well as the latest developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, given the President’s position as SADC chairman.
President Mnangagwa handled the questions with poise and confidence, demonstrating a commitment to transparency. He answered each question thoughtfully, revealing insights into his administration’s priorities and the challenges faced by the nation.
The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to fostering a robust media landscape in Zimbabwe.
The President’s openness and willingness to engage with Editors signalled a new chapter in the relationship between the Government and the media.
As Editors departed from State House, there was palpable excitement in the air.
The historic meeting had established a foundation for ongoing dialogue, one that could potentially reshape the media landscape in Zimbabwe.
In a country where the media plays a critical role in nation-building, such interactions are vital.
This meeting, the President affirmed, should be the first of many, as he expressed his desire to interact with even more editors, including those from online platforms. “Nation-building is a collaborative effort,” he concluded, emphasizing the media’s critical role in shaping the future of Zimbabwe.
The Editors left with a sense of purpose, ready to contribute to the national discourse, armed with insights gained from an unprecedented day of engagement with their leader.
