by Staff reporter
The Government of Zimbabwe stands ready to work with the media in creating a successful Zimbabwe, a cabinet Minister has said.
Addressing delegates on the occasion of the Annual Media Toast reception held in Gweru yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted that Government and the media have a symbiotic relationship, where the former is the source of information of where the nation is headed, while the later has the platforms and skills to inform and galvanise the nation towards that direction.
“No country can develop and enjoy economic success without a shared national vision, as the media you have a responsibility to communicate, educate and steer Zimbabwe towards the attainment of our national vision. As Government, we stand ready to work with you in creating a successful Zimbabwe,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The Minister appreciated the role played by the media in advancing the national agenda on COVID-19, highlighting that the Government expects that to be the beginning of a new trajectory in the media sector.
“Let me take this opportunity to say to you the media, a job well done on informing and educating Zimbabweans on the fight against COVID-19. Information and awareness campaigns have played a pivotal role in ensuring that citizens adopt preventative and protective measures that are crucial in winning the war against COVID-19.
“Let us shed the yesteryear modus operandi of discord in the messages coming from the Government and the media, which not only creates confusion but sends wrong and mixed signals regarding our country,” said the Minister.
Minister Mutsvangwa highlighted that the Government and the media brought the people of Zimbabwe closer to the decision making processes through the Post Cabinet Press briefing. She revealed that Cabinet Ministers are readily available each week to speak to national issues that the media articulate on their behalf. She said that this must be celebrated as part of the improved working relations between Government and the media.
“It can be recalled that in his 24 November 2017 inaugural speech, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that he would ensure the safety and security of journalists conducting their lawful duties, be accessible to the media as it fulfils its watchdog role to foster transparency and accountability and align the country’s media laws and policies with the constitution as provided for in terms of section 61 and 62,” she said.
The Minister went on to say that the Second Republic prioritises the creation of a conducive national media environment and this year has seen the repealing of AIPPA, through the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act on 1 July 2020 and the issuing of licences to six Television stations.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the country has shined, grown and continues to show its resilience despite of the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
