Chinotimba cautions journalists

Outspoken Buhera South legislator, Joseph Chinotimba, has called on the local media to desist from taking political sides and accurately report issues truthfully for the benefit of Zimbabwe's development.

Making a contribution at the Information and Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI) consultative meeting in Harare Wednesday, Chinotimba also blasted journalists saying they had developed a tendency of demanding bribes before publishing or broadcasting their articles.

"Our local media has become certain mouthpieces of political parties…they do not write the truth. If you are an enemy of a certain media house you do not get any coverage, but if you are a colleague with the other one, you are given fair coverage," said Chinotimba.

"A certain paper wrote that I had invaded a stand in Marlborough and the issue was blown out of proportion, blasting me left, right and centre that I did not have even a plan for the place. I was never approached by them to hear my side of the story. Journalists must not lie, they should tell the truth," added Chinotimba.

Chinotimba said it was now sad that the media was a political player instead of tackling real developmental issues.

"All papers we have in this country are political players and that is destructive. The Zanu PF succession issue has become a hot issue, but regrettably not a single journalist has sought to hear the true side of story…all you write about is Chinotimba is a thief…wandakabira mukadzi ndiani? (whose wife did I steal?). It's your duty as media to expose corrupt individuals," said Chinotimba.

Participants at the meeting called on the government to improve the working conditions and salaries of journalists, ensure the growth of film industry, open more airwaves, repel draconian laws such as Public Order and Safety Act (POSA), redress gender disparities in the media and to give journalists free accreditation, among other issues.

"Journalists in Zimbabwe are among the worst paid professionals in the world. There is need to improve their working conditions and their salaries. It is sad that there are a number of cases pending at the labour court where journalists are fighting unfair dismissals," said Lennox Mhlanga, a media consultant.

Tsitsi Dangarembga, a film producer, said it was sad to note that there were no representatives from the film industry in IMPI.

"We are disappointed that in your panel there is not even a member from the film industry while everybody is raising concern over the quality of products shown on ZTV.

"A film industry commission should be put in place for the growth of the artistic world," said Dangarembga.