Zanu-PF MP accuses state media of reporting along factional lines

Zanu PF legislator Emilia Zindi has accused journalists in the state media of covering party officials along factional lines adding that some are actually paid not to cover certain individuals.

"I am always lamenting when I look at the work that is done by journalists. The electronic media has a duty to inform people out there but if they are now selecting or choosing particular people who should be heard, I do not know what criteria they use, whether it is the faction or what, I do not know,' Zindi said.

"That factionalism does not benefit the country in any way because I believe the radio, television and the newspapers are there to inform people out there who do not have the opportunity to come to Parliament to see what is happening.

"The Speaker's Gallery has limited space because some Members of Parliament are actually utilising that gallery. We are only left with the issue of live broadcasting to make sure that we reach the people through print and electronic media but if there is that factionalism, it pains me. Are we after developing our national interests or it is only for a certain group?"

The legislator said if the country is not united, it will not develop.

"I would also want to say to those journalists who are being bribed and are told that I do not want so and so to be on television, newspapers or on the radio, it is not in any way developing our country," Zindi said.

"Our journalists should show that they have their ethics and a constitution that guides them in doing their work. The people who are being prevented from appearing on television or in the press were elected by the people out there and not by the person who is now giving an instruction that so and so should not be broadcast on television."