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Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
THE media is a crucial watchdog during elections and is a platform for voters to access information about parties, policies, candidates and the electoral process in order to make informed choices, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Permanent Secretary in her ministry, Mr Nick Mangwana, during a two-day media workshop on election coverage in Bulawayo last week.
The Minister said the media has a role to safeguard the transparency of the electoral process, hence the need to maintain professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in its coverage of the elections.
The media training touched on various issues, including dynamics of elections reporting, fact checking, misinformation and disinformation, security of information during elections, safety and security of journalists and the use of digital media in covering elections, among other things.
A media pledge that will guide the conduct of the media before, during and post the August 23 elections was also signed during the workshop.
Mr Mangwana signed the media pledge of behalf of Government, while The Herald managing editor, Ms Ruth Butaumocho, signed on behalf of Zimpapers.
Other media houses and stakeholders, representatives of the three political parties in parliament — Zanu PF, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and the police also signed the pledge.
“I implore the media to remain resolute in upholding ethical standards in journalism in general and election reportage in particular. Peaceful elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, representing the voice of the people and their right to elect their leaders. It is therefore imperative for the media to act as a faithful steward of the process,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“You are a critical cog in the governance and democratic processes of this country, and as Government, we appreciate this very significant role that you play to ensure that the people are better informed for critical decision making. I implore you to use the pen and the mic to develop the country.
“The role of the media extends beyond reporting on events, it involves generation of well researched articles, production of analytical pieces and making sure diverse voices of ordinary citizens are heard.
“You should be guided by the commitment to uphold the truth, provide balanced coverage and refrain from sensationalism or being biased. It is your responsibility to diligently uphold the principles of ethics, fairness, and impartiality when reporting on elections.
“You must maintain a sense of balance and impartiality in ethical reporting as citizens rely on you for diverse perspectives so that they form well-rounded opinions,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She also said the media has the responsibility to give a fair portrayal of all candidates while avoiding hate speech and inflammatory reporting.
“Journalists must desist from being political activists. “Stretch and split” journalism must be shunned as this compromises the quality of news. This commitment to fairness is what sets journalism apart from mere commentary or propaganda.
“There is the danger that political parties may want to manipulate you to become their mouthpieces, but you should always stick to the values and ethics of the profession,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said despite the rapid growth of the digital media over the years, the traditional media remains the authoritative and authentic voice in information dissemination.
“You should never underestimate the authority you have in informing, educating, and influencing the world. You are the custodians of accuracy and credibility. Therefore, I impress upon you to verify sources rigorously, fact-check diligently, and be cautious of unverified claims that can undermine the public’s trust in our electoral system.
“As Government, we remain committed to ensuring the security and safety of journalists as enshrined in Section 61 of our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, including media freedom. However, journalists must refrain from abusing this privilege,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said her ministry has conducted several media training workshops with stakeholders such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
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