…pledges to work for friendlier media environment ahead of 2018
Upenyu Chaota
HARARE – He fought a good fight, kept the faith, finished the race and most people in the media industry are happy with the election of TellZim News publisher and Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) media lecturer Golden Maunganidze to the position of new Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe Chapter national chairperson.
Maunganidze surprised even the most cynical of those who gathered at Cresta Jameson Hotel in Harare for the elective congress after he landed the post uncontested following the eleventh hour withdrawal of his formidable rival Dumisani Muleya, The Zimbabwe Independent editor.
Delivering his victory speech, Maunganidze called for collective input to keep the MISA ship afloat.
“During my term, the country will hold elections so it is one of our mandates to help each other as we promote access to information during elections. We will work to protect each other since journalists are often victimised during elections. We will also work to protect each other when we express our views as media practitioners,” said Maunganidze.
He said he will give an ear to all the MISA members and will work in consultation with others to create a conducive media environment in the country.
“I plead with you to work with us to take MISA to the level that you want it to be so that by the next time we gather here or any other place, MISA will mirror exactly what you want it to be.
“We are going to accommodate your views and when we derail please don’t hesitate to take us to the side and remind us what we are supposed to be doing. Please remind us when we divert from our mandate,” said Maunganidze.
Maunganidze is deputised by Rutendo Mawere who garnered several votes more than her closest electoral rival. Pamenus Tuso, Maggie Muzamara and Ruth Butaumocho were elected into the committee.top news
