ZUJ hails Grace Mugabe for defending journalists

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, would like to commend the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe for defending journalists in the face of abusive politicians.

Dr Mugabe, who is the Zanu PF Secretary for Women's League in the Politburo, made the remarks in an address to members of the national executive council in Harare on Wednesday.

In addition, Dr Mugabe questioned why some politicians always rush to invite the State Broadcaster and journalists from newspaper organisations to cover small donations without considering the welfare of journalists and the costs involved.

ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi said the First Lady's statement was ‘a breadth of fresh air in a poisoned environment in which journalists are abused by politicians and taken advantage of by other charlatans and some members of the public'.

Dongozi said for years, the Union had campaigned for improved welfare, safety and working conditions for journalists and the added influential voice of Dr Mugabe was a positive development for the safety and protection of journalists, particularly from abusive politicians.

"When an influential person such as the First Lady recognises the threats that journalists face while doing their job, we are pleased because it means people in positions of influence have heard our concerns and are prepared to do something about it."

Dongozi said because of prevailing harsh economic conditions, journalists had become vulnerable to abuse by politicians, employers, some religious sects and big business organisations.