adminPaidamoyo Chipunza Harare Bureau
Acting Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Prisca Mupfumira has challenged the media to spearhead development in line with the country’s economic blueprint, Zim-Asset. Speaking after a familiarisation tour of Zimpapers stable at Herald House, Star FM and Natprint in Harare yesterday, Minister Mupfumira urged journalists to abide by principles of good journalism. She implored the media to shun inter and intra-factional politics and focus on developing the country through informative, accurate and balanced reportage. “I expect you to be honest, truthful and factual reporters and our focus at the moment as government is building the country through our economic blueprint, Zim-Asset. So let’s talk about development. Let’s report in a way showing that we’re talking about progress and desist from getting into intra-factional or inter-factional politics. Politics is for us politicians,” she said.
Minister Mupfumira said Zimbabwe was in a sort of war situation as it battled under sanctions and an economy under fire, hence the need to focus on stories that build rather than destroy the country. “News is supposed to teach, inform and educate all our people. That’s why I’m saying let’s be seen as a serious paper, which covers stories of substance,” she said.
Minister Mupfumira said this would help newspapers to survive in the face of competition with other media institutions on the market.
She commended Zimpapers management for embracing technology and ensuring presence on all media platforms such as digital.
In separate addresses to employees, Minister Mupfumira expressed optimism on the state of the economy and urged employees to remain patriotic and resilient.
“I know we’re going through trying times and we would want even salary increments among other things, but our situation at the moment isn’t what we want, so let us tighten our belts, let’s love Zimbabwe, let’s be patriotic,” she said.
Minister Mupfumira said Zimpapers was not in a worst case scenario compared to other stables that have completely closed shop while others were struggling.
“Let’s be progressive and think Zimbabwe, think Zim-Asset. Together we’ll realise it and we’ll have a turnaround no matter what detractors are going to say, but it’s going to be well in the end,” she said.
Minister Mupfumira toured Kwayedza, The Sunday Mail, The Herald, Zimpapers’ TV station and the digital centre – all at Herald House before proceeding to Natprint and Star FM in Southerton.
Zimpapers CEO Pikirayi Deketeke and several other Zimpapers management officials accompanied Minister Mupfumira on the tour.
Online Reporter