Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana has called on online media players to conduct ethical, factual, and innovative reporting that unites communities and supports national development.
He also called for strategic partnerships between the telecommunications companies and online media platforms to accelerate digital inclusion.
Speaking at the NetOne Online Media Strategy Building Breakfast Session this morning, Mr Mangwana said the country is at a defining moment in its digital media evolution.
He said online media is no longer the future but the present, emphasising that digital platforms now drive national conversations, shape public opinion, and reach millions of citizens in real time.
“As the country prepares to mark National Youth Day on February 21, empowering online media is inseparable from investing in youth development.
“This partnership is about digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and ensuring Zimbabwe’s story is told by Zimbabweans, on platforms where our people now live,” he said.
Mr Mangwana praised NetOne’s commitment to providing data support and infrastructure to online media, adding that this is an example of corporate patriotism that allows Zimbabwe’s story to be told from a local, independent perspective.
He urged online media players to match the enhanced support with responsible reporting.
“With this enhanced capacity comes the profound responsibility to leverage this partnership for factual, responsible, and innovative reporting. Lead the ethical transition from legacy to digital, support national development, and harness the creativity of our youth to unify rather than divide,” said Mr Mangwana.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted key areas of cooperation, including ongoing engagements with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe to promote affordable data for online media.
There are also partnerships with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training to build digital skills and content creation capacity, as well as plans to amplify NetOne’s messaging through community and campus radio stations nationwide.
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