Journalists warned about violence

Chronicle Correspondent
JOURNALISTS should desist from behaviour that incites violence during the forthcoming harmonised elections set for 31 July.
Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) secretary-general Foster Dongozi said this yesterday in Bulawayo during a two-day election reporting workshop.
He said it was important for journalists to act wisely when covering political stories as their behaviour could lead to violence if they were not careful.

“We are holding this workshop to empower journalists with information and skills necessary during election time. All journalists should be aware of the political environment that they will operate in,” said Dongozi.

“I therefore urge every journalist to desist from activities that incite violence such as wearing regalia associated with political parties, accepting rides in politician’s cars and bribes from candidates so as to protect themselves from being hurt in any way.”

He said the workshop would equip journalists with media laws, first aid, trauma and stress management lessons and that it is important for scribes to be part of unions.

“Elections have a history of violence and we want to make sure that our reporters are safe and are enabled to do their work without any hindrances from anyone. We will therefore encourage journalists to be part of unions because they need the solidarity and support especially during times like these,” said Dongozi.

The workshop that ends today is covering the code of conduct according to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, safety in covering volatile elections, emergency first aid training and trade unionism.