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ZCTU criticises interference in the media sector
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
May 03, 2004

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) would like to acknowledge the attempts by the ZANU PF secretary for Information Cde Shamuyarira to bring a News crew from Sky News television to make a documentary on the country.

While this is a step in the right direction for the country’s image, it is the attitude of the Minister of Information and Publicity in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Jonathan Moyo that is paranoid.

Instead of using this opportunity to clarify issues normally reported by the foreign media on Zimbabwe, the Minister does not hesitate to further dent the image of the country to the same people he expects to portray it in favourable light.

The Minister was again using his widely condemned and self inspired Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) to prevent the Sky News crew from filming the documentary. This also comes in the same week when the world is commemorating Press Freedom Day that is well acknowledged by the Minister.

It is time the Minister realizes that he is not the epitome of information in Zimbabwe and should know that clamping down on the press would only further alienate the country from the international community.

It seems the Minister has something to hide, if not then why would he go out of his way to close Zimbabwe from the International world.

The ZCTU is also worried about the tight grip on the Media by the Minister who has reduced both the print and broadcast media to mere propaganda tools without informational or educational value.

It is unfortunate that the Minister has the prerogative to decide what the majority of Zimbabweans who cannot afford satellite television have to watch and listen to, in a attempt of blinkering them to be conformists of only one mind set, the so called patriotism!

Wellington Chibebe
ZCTU Secretary General

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