The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokhuthula Matsikenyere has hailed the media for its rich content when reporting on developmental issues in Manicaland.
Officially opening a five-day United Nations Media Workshop on Development Reporting which was being attended by editors and senior reporters from across the country in Mutare on Tuesday, Minister Matsikenyere thanked the media for projecting the province in positive light.
Minister Matsikenyere said through the efforts of the media and proper profiling of the province’s endowments, the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
“Manicaland is a gateway to the sea and an investment destination. Through the media’s efforts, the province will be able to grow its GDP and contribute more towards building the country’s economy.
“It is my wish that the media will continue playing key roles in nation building, positive reporting on pertinent issues taking place in the province and keeping the public informed on all developmental programmes that Government and its partners are undertaking,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyere also commended the media for playing a key role during the March 2019 Cyclone Idai disaster.
“Mass messaging during and after Cyclone Idai hit resulted in overwhelming national and international response. This was also the case with Covid-19 where the media played a key role in informing the communities of preventative measures angd constant updates. This awareness enabled us as a province to curb the spread of the virus and achieve a downturn in the figures,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyere said the media should continue profiling Government’s development programmes in infrastructural development, food security and economic recovery under the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana also acknowledged the work being done by local journalists in covering development issues that are guided by the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He urged journalists to further enhance their developmental reportage, saying this will create awareness and mobilise the masses to take an interest in the developmental projects.
“Development reporting is guided by the SDGs which seek not to leave anyone behind by 2030, which is in line with the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle class economy by 2030,” he said.
Mr Mangwana added: “Development reporting requires a different skill set to other forms of reporting. It involves writing on programmes and policies that result in economic change, as well as community reactions to the programmes and the changes.”
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon described the media as an important source of information which help in shaping citizens’ views, commitment and their role on national development.
He said because of this, there is need to rope in more journalists into development reportage.
“Journalists contribute greatly to the attainment of national development and the SDGs by building public awareness, setting the agenda, and engaging Government and other stakeholders, including communities at grassroots level.
“They have a responsibility to be the voice of the voiceless – vulnerable members of the society, children, particularly girls, persons living with disabilities, women, senior citizens, the poor and the marginalised.
“Their stories can make an impact across the spectrum, from modifying an individual’s own behaviour to generating popular support and action,” he said.
Mr Kallon also commended the media for playing a crucial role by increasing awareness and engagement, as well as looking for answers to issues affecting the public.
“For the media to succeed in its role, it must be professional and objective. Factors such as media bias, sensationalism and distortions negatively affect the contribution of media to national development. Freedom of the media must therefore go along with responsibility,” he said.
