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While media freedom thrives in the country, the western world sought to curtail the freedom by sanctioning journalists whose opinions they do not agree with.
Zimpapers editor-in-chief Pikirai Deketeke, Herald deputy editor Caesar Zvayi, Sunday Mail assistant editor Munyaradzi Huni, ZBC chief correspondent Reuben Barwe and the broadcaster’s diplomatic correspondent Judith Makwanya, and freelancer Musorowegomo Mukosi were all put on sanctions for not toeing the western line of giving Zimbabwe a bad name pursuant to hanging it.
While the EU, and Australia have removed the scribes from sanctions, its US counterparts were still to do so.
Zvenyika Mugari, head of Media and Society Studies at Midlands State University, yesterday said the provisions on freedom of expression and media freedom in the new Constitution represent a major step to consolidate and uphold media freedom in the country.
“The new Constitution has provisions that speak to the issue of freedom of expression and freedom of the media. It’s quite clear and that represents a movement forward,” he said.
“The old constitution was silent on press freedom and now as we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, Zimbabweans should be credited for upholding press freedom in the new constitution. We now have a starting point on which to build and consolidate press freedom.”
Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day today. The day was set aside to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Another Harare-based media commentator said journalists should not be swayed into believing there is no media freedom in Zimbabwe when the Government has allowed media plurality.
“Press freedom is alive here and we must credit Zimbabweans for taking vital measures to uphold press freedom under the new Constitution. Journalists must not be swayed by unethical western-media type of journalism that often seeks to promote wanton disregard of our national laws and morals and often thrives on faulting the government and ridiculing African leaders,” he said.
He said the licensing of more than 50 media houses firmly demonstrated that press freedom was alive in Zimbabwe.
“We have a diverse and vibrant media that articulates divergent views. Media freedom is alive and we should not be ashamed to say it,” he said.
He urged journalists to assume both moral and legal responsibilities for all that they publish for the general good of the country. Mugari also challenged journalists to adhere to the tenets of journalism — accuracy, fairness and truthfulness to help retain their credibility and enhance the quality of their media products.
“Journalists must continuously pledge to subscribe to a set of principles and standards that guide the way they way. Accuracy, credibility and validation of news report is quite critical,” he said.
Media, Information and Publicity Minister Cde Webster Shamu has often reiterated that the Government respects media pluralism and diversity which should be applied in a responsible manner so that the sovereignty and national values of the country are protected.
However, he has also been quoted as saying that the Government would not hesitate to revoke operating licences of media organisations abusing Press freedom to denounce the country and its leadership.
He warned that he would not watch the country’s leadership being assaulted for no apparent reason.
Government officials have also repeatedly called on the media to disseminate accurate information to minimise conflicts among people in the country.
They said the media must disseminate quality information to promote peace through accurate, fair and balanced reports.
Journalists and other media regulatory bodies are expected to hold various events to commemorate World Press Freedom Day.
Online Reporter