"Reporters And Journalists Must Be Given Space," - Minister Of Information

Zimbabwe’s Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has said that reporters and journalists should be allowed to freely do their work considering that their work enables society to make informed decisions.

The minister made the remarks on Friday in a speech to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day which is observed every year on 3 May. She said:

Reporters and journalists are the agents of searching, processing and spreading information to the general public. It is, therefore, important that their ability to carry out this task is not tampered with. They must be given space so that they can speak truths. Safety of their working environment is very crucial.

The threats of death, imprisonment of reporters and journalists have no place in civilised societies. It is also important to ensure that press workers’ welfare is improved through the provision of decent working conditions and life rewarding salaries.

Observers may say her remarks are “hollow” considering that journalists and reporters have, on numerous occasions, been exposed to intimidation and harassment by both state security personnel and political parties in Zimbabwe.

She speaks when stakeholders have of late increased calls for media reforms in the country.

More: The Herald