‘Media should put national interest first’
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Cde Monica Mutsvangwa (MM) says she is seized with carrying out reforms in the media sector in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the reform agenda. In an interview with The Herald’s T
TZ: How do you view the system of post-Cabinet reports to the media? Has it enhanced Government communications and interface with the media MM: The post-Cabinet Media Briefings have gone a long way in giving expression to His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s thrust of establishing a transparent, accountable and open Government. Any democracy functions well when there is access to information for the citizenry. These briefings have enabled members of the Fourth Estate (traditional media), and of late the Fifth Estate (social media), to clarify issues directly with line ministers who grace this platform. This helps build strong relations between the media and Government. More importantly, Government is prioritising economics over politics, hence, all key economic decisions made in Cabinet need to be expeditiously communicated to business for them to make appropriate business decisions on the basis of Government pronouncements. TZ: Has Government considered a Government Information Communications service as in South Africa? MM: In principle, the ministry acknowledges the importance of establishing such a platform where all Government communications are channelled to its citizens. Government information hubs are key as they are a platform where useful information from locals and foreigners are located. Since we are living in the digital age, where information plays a key role in modern day statecraft, the ministry has established a Twitter handle, YouTube channel pursuant to that goal. Efforts are at an advanced stage to come up with a website that would be the hub of all Government communications. Links to all key Government services, press releases, directories, speeches, opportunities, etc, will be available on this platform. TZ: What is your assessment of the state of the media in Zimbabwe and what issues have you derived from IMPI? MM: The media environment in Zimbabwe was, and remains, polarised as a result of the toxic politics of yesteryear. There is a general mistrust that existed between Government, particularly in the First Republic, and the media fraternity. This mistrust still subsists in some instances. There are ethical and professional issues that still need redress in order for the polarisation to dissipate, going forward. On the part of Government we are already implementing our reform agenda, starting with an all stakeholders’ conference end of this month - the idea being to realign our efforts as Zimbabweans with the President’s vision of an open society, where media practitioners practise without fear or favour, ethically and professionally. Zimbabwe is open for media business. Issues to do with inadequate training need redress. On deriving issues from the IMPI, Government’s position is that it will factor in compatible recommendations from the inquiry, as well as from all other stakeholders in the media industry and citizens.
Read the full interview on www.herald.co.zw