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Mashonaland West Bureau
Journalists must resist the temptation to accept bribes to effectively combat corruption, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, has said.
His remarks were delivered by Director of Media Services in the Ministry Mr George Chisoko at the 12th Zimbabwe Union of Journalists provincial awards ceremony in Chinhoyi yesterday.
Dr Muswere highlighted the Government’s commitment to expand the media sector, noting the licensing of numerous commercial, community, and campus radio and television stations, which have created job opportunities for media professionals.
“This avalanche of radio and television stations has created more job opportunities for media practitioners. This has also created platforms for other content creators to showcase their creative talents,” he said.
“While this has contributed positively to the growth of the media sector, we remain worried by the increasing cases of corruption within the sector, especially bribe taking and bribe inducing as epitomised by the brown envelope culture.
“Government has adopted zero tolerance to corruption at all levels and sectors and the media is not excluded in this fight. I want to urge journalists to desist the temptation of receiving bribes to influence the publication or otherwise of stories. The fight against corruption begins with journalists living an upright professional life that protects the dignity of the profession. You cannot confidently report against corruption when as journalists you are badly tainted. Let’s join hands with others in fighting corruption.”
Dr Muswere reaffirmed the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and urged journalists to uphold their integrity.
“You cannot confidently report against corruption when you are compromised,” he emphasised, calling for collective action against corrupt practices.
He underscored the important role journalists play in promoting the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), aimed at achieving a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030. Dr Muswere also encouraged journalists to adhere to ethical standards and report responsibly on Government initiatives, warning against the dissemination of misinformation.
Mashonaland West’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Marian Chombo, commended local media for embracing the ethos of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” and urged a focus on positive and solutions-oriented journalism.
Zimpapers’ Mashonaland West team, including Walter Nyamukondiwa and Conrad Mupesa, received accolades for their work.
Zimplats, represented by Mr Hama Saburi, sponsored the awards and lauded the media’s contributions to nation-building, highlighting the company’s community development initiatives such as construction of clinics, schools and investment in provision of clean water.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as CAG Buses director Dr Afra Nhanhanga and Valley Seeds’ chief agronomist, Mr Tinashe Bvukumbwe, who praised the media’s role in promoting food security in Zimbabwe.
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