News / National
Zimbabwe journalists blast Mutambara for intolerant and hate language
15 Jun 2011 at 06:00hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, condemned what it called the use of intolerant and hate language by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr Arthur Mutambara.
The DPM has been very intolerant against journalists over the last few days while being interviewed over his participation in the just ended Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Some journalists have registered their protests with the Union, complaining that they felt the language used by DPM was 'intolerant and intemperate'.
On June 13, NewsDay reported that in response to questions over his role in the SADC Summit, DPM Mutambara said: "Who told you to call me? ...Tell your editor to stop publishing rubbish. Your paper is writing rubbish."
The newspaper reported that earlier, DPM Mutambara had accused it of 'writing stupid stories'.
The Union would like to condemn in very strong terms the DPM's abusive statements and call on him to use language which contributes towards peace and national healing in Zimbabwe.
We take this opportunity to share with the DPM that such intolerant language has the capacity to endanger the lives of journalists as his supporters may take it as a cue to abuse, harass or assault journalists, newspaper vendors and media organisations.
The Union is surprised by the statements because in its ongoing campaigns against polarisation in the media and the country, we have engaged DPM Mutambara's spokesperson, Mr Maxwell Zimuto who has spoken out against intolerant language in the media and by politicians.
As a signatory to the GPA which calls for peace, harmony and national healing among Zimbabweans, we urge the DPM to lead by example towards the attainment of national healing in the country.
The Union has also received complaints from journalists covering Harare Municipality meetings where senior officials and councillors routinely make disparaging and abusive remarks against journalists.
These attacks have the potential of exposing journalists to attacks by supporters of such officials and councillors as some of them are made during public meetings.
The journalist complained about abuses made by Clr Joyce Kariwo, during a recent full council meeting.
Clr Kariwo accused journalists of attending council meetings until late in order to eat councillors' food while mocking them for using council transport.
We reject and condemn Clr Kariwo's statements and would like to draw to her attention that the only reason why journalists attend council meetings until late is because they would be on assignment and are dedicated professionals seeking to provide quality service under extremely difficult working conditions.
The journalists have reported that in addition, they are encouraged to stay until late by the public relations department which wants to nurture good working relations with the media practitioners.
As a Union we continue to encourage our members to report fairly and accurately.
The DPM has been very intolerant against journalists over the last few days while being interviewed over his participation in the just ended Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Some journalists have registered their protests with the Union, complaining that they felt the language used by DPM was 'intolerant and intemperate'.
On June 13, NewsDay reported that in response to questions over his role in the SADC Summit, DPM Mutambara said: "Who told you to call me? ...Tell your editor to stop publishing rubbish. Your paper is writing rubbish."
The newspaper reported that earlier, DPM Mutambara had accused it of 'writing stupid stories'.
The Union would like to condemn in very strong terms the DPM's abusive statements and call on him to use language which contributes towards peace and national healing in Zimbabwe.
We take this opportunity to share with the DPM that such intolerant language has the capacity to endanger the lives of journalists as his supporters may take it as a cue to abuse, harass or assault journalists, newspaper vendors and media organisations.
The Union is surprised by the statements because in its ongoing campaigns against polarisation in the media and the country, we have engaged DPM Mutambara's spokesperson, Mr Maxwell Zimuto who has spoken out against intolerant language in the media and by politicians.
The Union has also received complaints from journalists covering Harare Municipality meetings where senior officials and councillors routinely make disparaging and abusive remarks against journalists.
These attacks have the potential of exposing journalists to attacks by supporters of such officials and councillors as some of them are made during public meetings.
The journalist complained about abuses made by Clr Joyce Kariwo, during a recent full council meeting.
Clr Kariwo accused journalists of attending council meetings until late in order to eat councillors' food while mocking them for using council transport.
We reject and condemn Clr Kariwo's statements and would like to draw to her attention that the only reason why journalists attend council meetings until late is because they would be on assignment and are dedicated professionals seeking to provide quality service under extremely difficult working conditions.
The journalists have reported that in addition, they are encouraged to stay until late by the public relations department which wants to nurture good working relations with the media practitioners.
As a Union we continue to encourage our members to report fairly and accurately.
Source - Byo24News
