‘Media should promote peace during elections’

Wallace Ruzvidzo

Sunday Mail Correspondent

THE media has an obligation to transmit messages of peace and unity that foster harmony and tranquillity during this year’s election period, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said.

In her address at the 1st anniversary celebrations for 3Ktv on Friday night, Minister Mutsvangwa implored the media fraternity to be responsible and observe the laws and ethics of the country in their reportage.

“This year, 2023, we will be holding harmonised elections. Oftentimes, the media throws caution to the wind and becomes an instrument for the ferment of discord and anarchy. It is the media’s duty to uphold peace and unity through the content we feed to our citizens.

“The media industry has a responsibility of trust, to foster social harmony and tranquillity, particularly during this often emotive period,” she said.

The Second Republic, said Minister Mutsvangwa, was open to advice, engagement, criticism and encouragement.

She said the media was a critical partner in the country’s image building and subsequently its engagement and re-engagement drive.

“There is so much development that Government is championing and all that needs the media to disseminate to the citizenry.

“It is the media that creates the awareness and highlights the milestones so that the world can know that it is not doom in Zimbabwe but that a lot of positivity is oozing,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“Let us all respect the division of labour, mindful of the fact that it is the sum total of all our efforts that will make our country great,” the Minister added.

She urged the country’s media to desist from fake and sensational news that is detrimental to the country’s engagement efforts.

“The transformation of Zimbabwe into an Empowered and Prosperous Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030 hinges largely on a responsible and objective media that puts the national interest above everything else.

“As Government, we see the media as a critical partner in image building, engagement and re-engagement. We expect the media to be knowledgeable and become the true light bearer of our society by reporting on issues from an informed perspective,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Government would continue to institute media reforms to ensure an inclusive and level playing field.