By Sharon Chimenya
ZIMBABWEAN media should provide a platform for marginalised communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the development agenda, a senior Government official said.
In a speech read on his behalf by George Chisoko, Director of Media Services, at the UN-Media Seminar on Development Reporting last week, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana said the media plays a pivotal role in promoting the Sustainable Development Agenda.
The media’s duty was to highlight the challenges faced by marginalised communities and investigate implementation gaps in development initiatives.
“The media has a critical duty of providing platforms for under-represented groups to be heard. We must remember that development is only development if it is inclusive. Therefore, it is prudent that the media should highlight the challenges of our marginalised communities and concerns if the Government is to address them,” he said.
“This is in fulfilment of President E.D Mnangagwa’s call to leave no one and no place behind. In the same vein, I urge the media to promote inclusive and equitable development. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
He said the media serves as a watchdog, capable of blowing the whistle to call attention to serious national issues.
“The media plays a role in monitoring Government progress towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Media personnel call this the watchdog role of the media. This calls for the media to track progress on NDS1 projects being implemented by the Government in the various sub- sectors. In the same vein, the media should investigate and report on any implementation gaps in the developmental matrix. This helps to hold our leaders and project implementers accountable. It is also the duty of the media to advocate for any policy reforms that will be critical for achievement of Agenda 2030,” he said.
“It is also the duty of the media to advocate for any policy reforms that will be critical for achievement of Agenda 2030. Reforms help to correct a situation that would derail our progress in development. Hence the watch dog role of the media is critical in this journey.”
He said as a watchdog, the media also has a duty to expose corrupt practices by officials and citizens.
Meanwhile, UN Resident and Humanitarian Co-ordinator, Edward Kallon, commended efforts by the Ministry to support the media to contribute to the development of the country.
He said the United Nations recognised the media as an important tool in shaping public opinion and values the media’s role in social transformation.
“I want to take this opportunity to commend the Ministry of Information for its dedication in ensuring that the media contribute significantly to the country’s development and social transformation. The United Nations Development System in Zimbabwe actively supports a robust media landscape that ensures accurate, timely, and objective reporting on development, recovery, and humanitarian issues,” he said.
“The media, encompassing newsprint, electronic, and web-based sources, play an essential role in national development and advancing political, economic, social, and cultural rights to enhance the well-being of people. Each medium carries a message, targets specific audiences, and influences change, attitudes, perceptions, and decision-making, shaping behaviours accordingly.”
Media freedom had allowed for new communication methods broadening individuals’ participation and if used responsibly, all media channels provide substantial opportunities for the country’s development, Kallon said.
New Ziana
