daniel chigunwe
Today our crew is at a Harare hotel where the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) is holding a media indaba.
Stay with us for live updates of the event.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said the Second Republic has made significant changes to support the growth of the media and to ensure that the sector plays its role in national development agenda.
Dr Muswere was speaking while officiating at the ZUJ “Meet the Employer” media indaba that is currently underway.
He said a nation cannot grow when the media focuses on defaming citizens, adding that everyone has the right to be respected.
Second Republic’s creates good environment for media practitioners
Dr Muswere said a lot is being done to create a desirable media industry.
He said one of the primary and tangible achievements is creating a conducive environment where journalists are free to execute their duties with a responsibility to be part of national development and nation-building.
“As a Government and in terms of the Constitution, we have achieved a lot and we are not afraid of what journalists write about, as long as it is the truth,” he said.
“No journalist has been arrested during my term and that’s an achievement. We have licensed several media houses because we support the growth of the media.”
Dr Muswere
He said the Government had also allowed the importation of media tools through the National Arts Council for media houses that are registered with the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
Dr Muswere said journalists should take the lead in creating a National Employment Council. To show Government commitment, Dr Muswere challenged ZUJ to set timeframes and to make sure that the draft process is speeded up.
He said mainstream media are the eyes and ears of the public, adding that they should be able to sustain operations during the era of digital media and artificial intelligence.
ZUJ president thanks Government for support
Speaking at the indaba, ZUJ president Mr George Maponga paid tribute to the Second Republic for its open-door policy and willingness to discuss and solve problems afflicting the media sector.
Mr George Maponga
Mr Maponga lamented poor salaries and working conditions in the media sector.
He said this has caused a dip in professionalism and precipitated brain drain in the industry.
ZMC Bill key to addressing gaps in ZMC Act
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has highlighted gaps that exist in the current ZMC Act, adding that the Bill could address the issues.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the indaba, ZMC chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe said the Commission is relying on journalists and citizens’ goodwill.
Prof Magosvongwe
“There are gaps in the ZMC Act which we hope the Bill will address as there are no provisions for several issues,” she said.
Prof Magosvongwe said there is no provision for:
Accreditation of journalists,
Regulation of social media and
Usage of artificial intelligence
Term limits for Commissioners, etc
She also said there is need for standardisation of training of journalists to ensure professionalism.
The ZMC Bill is one of the media reforms that are being implemented as the Government seeks to align some pieces of legislation.
Online Reporter