Journalists’ welfare, working conditions close to my heart – Muswere

Harare (New Ziana) – Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere said on Wednesday a ministerial advisory committee will be set up to ensure, among other issues, that journalists in the country were adequately remunerated.

Speaking after a familiarisation tour of privately-owned television station, 3KTV, he said ensuring that the welfare of journalists, particularly salaries, improved, was one of his top priorities.

“I can assure you that issues around the remuneration of journalists are issues close to my heart,” Muswere said.
“We want a situation whereby the journalists who have a mandate to inform the nation, to also have all the intrinsic benefits related to their well-being so that they can also be in a position to take care of their families,” he said.

A recent parliamentary report on the state of the media in Zimbabwe recommended that the Ministry and other stakeholders look into the working conditions, welfare and remuneration of journalists.

This was found to be deplorable across the board.

Muswere said he had plans to develop the local media into a strong and vibrant sector that played a key role in the country’s development.

“I want to see a robust, successful media industry which also takes care of infrastructure development, (and) recapitalisation of key areas in terms of digitalisation,” he said.

New Ziana