dyton mupawaenda
Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
THE Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services requires about $417 billion for itself and the entities falling under its purview to effectively discharge its mandate.
The mandate includes showcasing milestones achieved by the Second Republic, debunking misinformation peddled against the country, and improving broadcasting signal coverage through installation of transmitters.
Giving oral evidence before Parliament’s Portfolio committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services in Harare yesterday, the ministry’s acting finance director, Mr Petros Buzuzi, said the Ministry required adequate funding for information dissemination, through online content, co-ordinating media coverage of Government activities, buttressing image building and reaching out to marginalised communities consistent with the Second Republic’s thrust of leaving no place and no one behind.
The committee led by acting chairperson and Buhera Central MP Sam Matema (Zanu PF) wanted to engage the Ministry as part of the pre-budget consultative process ahead of the 2024 national budget presentation in Parliament by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube.
In his presentation, Mr Buzuzi said while the optimum requirements stood at $417 billion, Treasury had told them to work on a budget envelop of around $35 billion leaving a huge shortfall which might affect their operations.
“There is a budget gap of $381 billion. We appeal to you as Members of Parliament to help us lobby for more resources,” said Mr Buzuzi.
Treasury had indicated that the total national budget envelope for next year was around $48 trillion which would leave each Ministry with at least $1 trillion with some variations depending on the size and needs of a given Ministry.
“Yes we understand we might not be the same with other ministries but we play a huge role in terms of carrying out awareness. Some of our provincial information officers and district information officers use their own vehicles to be mobile and their own phones. They are using whatever they have, so we need tools of trade,” said Mr Buzuzi.
He said the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation had put forward a budget of $220 billion but was asked to work on a budget envelope of $200 million, Film school wanted $4,6 billion but was allocated a $100 million budget envelope while New Ziana wanted $5 billion but got nothing.
Mass Media Trust executive secretary Mr Ray Mungoshi said New Ziana required funding to print its newspaper titles across the country as well as support for reporters in news gathering in fulfilment of several of its partners that they have signed memoranda of agreement. As management they were seized with reviving the news organisation.
“When we came the company was virtually on its knees. The company stands on two strides, the news agency and the newspaper side with eight titles. There has been undercapitalisation of these newspapers. We have no vehicles for our reporters; that in itself is a hindrance,” said Mr Mungoshi adding that with more resources they should be able to hire more people.
In his evidence, ZBC director for engineering Mr Tapiwa Mudzamba said they equally needed funding to acquire modern equipment in line with trends.
Other entities that gave evidence include Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, Transmedia and the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
ZMC said Government helped them to buy a house now being used as offices but required refurbishment.
The Ministry’s chief director, Mr Jonathan Gandari, said the Ministry was collaborating with development partners in furtherance of their work where they were coming with financial support.
Some of the work the Ministry did included setting and shaping the narrative on socio-economic developments in Zimbabwe and mobilising citizens for participation in national programmes and projects through billboards, banners, messages and other outdoor media.
They showcased milestones of the Second Republic to the public through exhibitions such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and Harare Agricultural Show.
The Ministry have also produced online content through Facebook, X, Youtube and 2023 Independence Commemorations and 2023 Heroes Commemorations and have broadcast content such as skits, jingles and documentaries.
Online Reporter