Media challenged to promote economic growth

Gift Mavezere Chronicle Reporter
THE media should promote economic growth by projecting an attractive image about the country that would encourage investor confidence, Zanu-PF Politburo member Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu has said.
Addressing journalists at the Bulawayo Press Club on Friday evening, Dr Ndlovu said journalists should be in the forefront in promoting national development.

“In as much as political parties’ ideologies may vary the journalists should not forget that they are Zimbabweans and should show patriotism by being good ambassadors of their country,” said Dr Ndlovu who is the former Minister of the then Information and Publicity.
“The media is an important branch of the Government that has immense political and social power. It can be used to shape societies while reporting important news and commentary.

“Because media is recognised as such an important body it should therefore use this leverage to portray its country in a good light. This will attract investment.”

Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, who is the Zanu-PF’s Secretary for Education, said the revolutionary party’s victory would give the people of Zimbabwe meaningful development that is anchored on its manifesto, which prioritises improved socio-economic and political development in all parts of the country.

“All citizens have rights to security whose custodian is the Government. Zanu-PF may have lost all the seats in Bulawayo but the statistics show that it also contributed to the party’s resounding victory, therefore, it will also benefit from the socio-economic and political development programme,” said Dr Ndlovu.

He also applauded the media for doing a great job in its coverage of the just ended harmonised elections but criticised some media houses that he said were always bent on reporting negatively.