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Young, old breaking the jinx for Zim in Triathlon

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Young, old breaking the jinx for Zim in Triathlon

Clayton Shereni

NYANGA- It has never been all rosy for teen superstar, Makanaka Mawere who only had less than 90 days to recover from a career threatening injury that she suffered in Egypt in June as she defied the odds at the just ended Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup (ATU) in Nyanga, Troutbeck.
Born in 2004, the 17 year old Hellenic High pupil is a rare gem and if her current exploits are anything to go by, the young girl will surely conquer the world.
Mawere also a professional tennis ace went into this year’s 14th edition of the prestigious African showpiece that attracted triathletes from as far as Luxemburg with a mountain to climb as she was not fully fit.
The lanky athlete who raced in a star-studded lineup against some higher-ranked triathletes got a major boost of his career when he finished third settling for a bronze medal in the junior elite competition.
She finished behind South Africa’s Kira Ribbink who successfully defended her title while Anika Visser also from across the Limpopo finished second.
Mawere had a great start in the water but had a hard time on the track before she made use of her prowess on the bicycle.
On the clock she finished in 1hr27min31sec slightly one minute below her 2020 record of 1hr28min33sec that saw her occupy seventh position.
With a world ranking of 489, continental ranking of 19 and continental junior ranking of 5, Mawere still has age on her side to do better and add to her three podium finishes.
For the young woman who went into the competition carrying hopes of every Zimbabwean triathlon fan, the contest was a memorable one that made her go an extra mile to make her country proud.
“It was a tough race but I had to be mentally strong and keep telling myself not to give up. Otherwise I really enjoyed the race, it is challenging but fun and with everyone cheering it was a great race all together. I did exceed my own expectations,” said Mawere.
Although so many young teenage athletes shun the sport, Mawere took time to appeal to fellow teenagers to take up the sport, display talent and prove their menthol.
“I would say to other teenagers know yourself and be really honest with yourself and know where you think you could be good as a sports person. They should explore new things because you never know what you might succeed in. Explore outside your comfort zone,” added Mawere.

Wynn Green (far right in black) during the awards ceremony

However, on the other end of Elite women, it was 45 year-old Wynn Greer who proved that she still has something in her arsenal after finishing third behind Hannah Newman and Bridget Theunissen who finished first and second respectively.
Greer who was a major doubt for many due to her old age shocked triathlon enthusiasts with her consistency and endurance that lasted her till she reached the finishing line.
In 2006, Greer finished fourth on 2hr41min34sec but this time around she came back strong, fit and hungry for the title claiming the bronze medal with 1hr21min59sec on the clock.
Speaking to the media after the race, Greer said she had to force herself to finish the race to make her country proud although she was not fit for the race.
“I made the best of what I could, given what I started with. I would say half a tank because I did not have a full tank. I pulled through because my mission was to raise Zimbabwe’s flag high. It is an amazing feeling to have raced elite and for Zimbabwe,” said Greer.
Commenting on her age, she said that age was not a big deal but one’s ability matters the most when it comes to sport.
“It is not just about age but ability. I do not see age but I see what one has got on the start line but as of what is next, I think I am going to focus on cycling because that is where I would shine,” added Greer.
Despite most sporting disciplines in the country being male dominated, women have been urged to take sport seriously and break gender barriers.
Mawere and Greer’s performances come at a time when calls have been made for enforcement of the dictates of the Zimbabwe constitution that states that ‘the state shall promote the full participation of women in all spheres of Zimbabwean society on the basis of equality.

Armed robbers pounce on Neshuro Growth Point

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Armed robbers pounce on Neshuro Growth Point

Cephas Shava

Mwenezi-A gang of armed robbers pounced on two shops at Neshuro Growth Point on the night of September 27, leaving one of the security guard critically injured before disappearing with an undisclosed amount of money.
The incident occurred at around 6:15 pm when shops were about to close for the day and the thieves robbed Shovorai Zizhou’s shop and Chingwanga Neshuro supermarket.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident saying the gang is yet to be arrested.
“We have received information concerning that robbery and investigations are ongoing but so far no arrests have been made,” said Dhewa.
According to eyewitnesses three armed robbers who had a getaway car first entered Chingwanga supermarket, fied warning shots and ordered all the clients to lay down after shooting the shop’s security guard.
After getting away with undisclosed amount of money from the supermarket, the thugs proceeded to Zizhou’s shop were they also got away with some money.
Shop owner Shovorai Zizhou better known locally as kwa Mai Tina told TellZim News that two armed men entered her shop and got away with some money soon after they had robbed at Chingwanga supermarket.
“When the incident occurred there were about 12 clients who were in my shop. Two armed man entered and fired some shots. I am not sure about the exact amount of money which they got away with because we were yet to count but it could be something more than ZAR 1000 and 400 US,” said Zizhou.
After pouncing on the two shops the robbers reportedly fled with their getaway car along Matibi Mission road.
By the time of writing, Chingwanga security guard shot in the stomach was in the theatre where he was being attended to at Neshuro District Hospital.
Cases of armed robbery have been on an upward trend around the country of late.

High court calls police to probe security guard companies

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High court calls police to probe security guard companies

…As guards have developed a trigger free attitude

Leslie Karumbidza

Mutare -The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been challenged to make probes and investigate security companies before issuing them gun operation licenses as guards have developed a gun-trigger free attitude resulting in increased numbers of fatal killings of people.
Judge Justice Isaac Muzenda made the remarks on September 27, 2021, as he sentenced Lazarus Dapira (54) a security guard of Roscommon Estate to five years imprisonment for culpable homicide two of which were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Speaking after the court judgment, Judge Justice lsaac Muzenda said there is need for reforms on the issuing of gun licenses to security guard companies and police should investigate them and make sure that the companies’ guards undergo proper trainings on how to handle the firearms.
“I call upon the police to change the manner in which they handle out firearms licenses to security companies as cases of unnecessary shooting involving guards which is leading to loss of human lives is on the rise in the country. Law enforcement agents should also see to it that all the guards employed by security companies are trained on how to handle the guns so as to avoid unnecessary loss of human lives,” said Muzenda.
Dapira was initially charged with murder.
The State represented by Tafadzwa Katsiru alleged that on September 14, 2017, Dapira accompanied by a police officer and four other security guards caused the death of Benson Mazvierengwi by shooting him on the head with a 12 Bore optima Shotgun allegedly for crimes committed at the Estate.
The accused’s defense line was that the gun discharged accidentally while fighting the deceased who was trying to disarm him.
Of late the integrity of Roscommon security guards have raised question from the general public as this is not the first case involving their employees causing unnecessary loss of life after last year Nicolas Bere from the same company fatally discharged his fireman at walking villagers at night in the process killing one and was convicted of murder
His defense line was that he thought that the villagers where a mob coming to attack him.
Cases of reckless loss of life involving security guards shooting have been on the rise in Mutare and Zimbabwe at large.
Earlier this month police in Harare arrested a 35-year-old security guard who fatally shot and killed a 22-year-old female ZUPCO conductor believed to be his estranged girlfriend.
The police even recovered a 38 Astra Revolver belonging to his security firm that he used to commit the heinous crime.

Uncertainty over resumption of football lower leagues

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Uncertainty over resumption of football lower leagues

…Eastern region AGM set for this weekend

Fredrick Moyo

A cloud of uncertainty hovers over the resumption of football lower leagues as there are no specific dates set for commencement though government gave the go ahead for sporting activities.
Disappointments, failures and happy moments that form part of the beautiful game have been ruined for lower league stakeholders, as Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) remain adamant that only topflight league should be played.
ZIFA Head of Communications and Competitions Manager, Xolisani Gwesela told TellZim News that they have not settled for any date yet.
“I do not have answers as for now and specific dates, but I will get back to you when I do have them,” said Gwesela.
However, some lower league teams mostly Division One sides have now began training in anticipation of a go ahead to resume action from the football governing body.
With the return of Premier Soccer League (PSL) that resumed this week, pressure is mounting on Zifa to let other leagues commence.
PSL action started with the resumption of Chibuku Super Cup with major highlights being Harare Giants Dynamos edging tricky Yadah Fc 1-0 at National Sports Stadium in Harare while new boys Tenax CS lost 2-0 to army side Black Rhinos at Sakubva Stadium.
Meanwhile the Zifa Eastern region has settled for October 2, 2021, to hold their much-awaited Annual General Meeting.
Sources told this publication that the meeting will be held in Masvingo and one major highlight of the meeting will be filling vacant posts.
“We have settled for this Saturday as the day when we will hold the AGM. Ofcourse, we are yet to get a go ahead from Head Office but all is in order now. Vacant posts need to be filled in both the region and province so we will make that our priority,” said the source.
The top post of Regional Administrator will be one of the most contested post since it is deemed the powerful post in the region.
The post became vacant when veteran administrator Thaddeus Machawira retired in 2019 after a long spell at the helm of the region.

Covid-19 a major drive for GBV-WAG

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Covid-19 a major drive for GBV-WAG

Melinda Kusemachibi

Covid-19 induced lockdowns have been a key driver of gander-based violence in the country according to a report released by Woman Action Group (WAG) recently.
The measurements employed by government to curb the spread of the pandemic nationwide including travel restrictions has been reportedly cited as one of the major causes of the recent surge in cases of gender-based violence in the domestic arena as a result of most men staying at home than workplaces.
“Reports of domestic violence, child marriages, violence by state officials and armed guards, online abuse and other forms of GBV have increased globally and regionally during the pandemic and Zimbabwe is no exception to this trend,” said the report.
WAG Zimbabwe also said emotional violence saw a sharp rise during lockdown, possibly due to heightened household tensions resulting from confined living conditions and increased financial stress.
“Transport challenges and movement regulations made it difficult for women and girls to report violence and access support as well as various necessary for survivors of violence. Economic hardships have highly pronounced with the Covid-19 pandemic leaving girls vulnerable to child marriages initiated by their families as a livelihood,” added the report.
The report further revealed that Innovators Against Gender Based Violence (IAG) have established a total number of 53 Peace Huts in Manicaland, 33 Mutasa, 19 Chipinge and six in Buhera.
Center for Gender and Community Development Projects Manager Chidaushe Mudadi said gender-based violence is a threat to most women and it has affected them especially during this time of the pandemic.
“CGCZ is calling for increased channels through which women must report GBV during lockdown. Movement restrictions have affected women than men whereby they are abused after curfew times and cannot visit the police station fearing arrest for walking after curfew time,” said Mudadi.
Musasa Project Advocacy and Communications Officer Rotina Musara said cases of domestic violence have increased since the introduction of lockdown with Masvingo recording more cases.
“As at September 18 Masvingo One Stop Center recorded 1 247, Bikita 149, Gutu 299, Nemamwa 155, Mwenezi 329,” said Musara.
In Masvingo province, it is estimated that the issue of domestic violence escalated to 200% since Covid-19 lockdowns started.
A Mucheke woman claiming to be a victim of domestic violence indicated that she experienced a hard time and it traumatized her.
“I am a victim of domestic violence and my husband beat me up in front of our children. All this started during first days of Covid-19 national lockdown. My husband beat me up because l could no longer go to my work place to sell fruits and vegetables,” said victim.
It is said that Covid-19 lockdown has exposed women and girls to violence when accessing social services.
Women and girls who face multiple forms of discrimination were already at higher risk of violence, which COVID-19 is likely to exacerbate.
Emerging evidence in Zimbabwe, or regionally, indicates that poor women, those in rural areas, women and girls with disabilities, adolescent girls, elderly women, women and girls with HIV, migrant women and women in quarantine facilities, and refugees are at heightened risk of violence.
United Nations revealed on April 1, 2021 that many countries in East and Southern Africa reported very high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and the preliminary reports of some countries indicate that GBV has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to UN violence by an intimate partner was reported by more than 40% of women in Zimbabwe even before the pandemic.

Council pays ZW$2 for digging metre deep trenches

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Council pays ZW$2 for digging metre deep trenches

Kimberly Kusauka

CHIPINGE- A move purportedly meant to reduce unemployment seem to be backfiring for Chipinge Town Council as youths came out guns blazing accusing local authority of taking advantage and using them as cheap labor.
Youths in Chipinge accuse council bosses of being inhumane and consciously offering ‘peanuts’ whilst they get hefty salaries and allowances.
The local authority is reportedly paying ZW$2 for a trench that is one metre deep on its sewer project and has been a major concern for the town.
Youths who attended the ward 5 ‘HowFar?’ feedback meeting organized by Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) in collaboration with TellZim News lambasted town authorities for taking advantage of the dire economic situation local youths find themselves in to exploit them.
“We are being paid peanuts to dig a trench that is one metre deep and we are forced to bring our own tools which is very unfair,” said one youth.
Ward 3 Cllr Mildred Gwinji however, had a different version claiming that the local authority was paying more than what the youths were alleging.
“The money which council is paying for their services can be converted to US$100-150 on the black market, so you can see that council is trying to be fair,” said Gwinji.
However, another youth said the councilor was misleading people by her claims that they were paying over US$100.
“Let us be practical, we want to work but we cannot be slaves. We have responsibilities and council is not being honest by saying that what they are paying us ranges between $US100 and 150. How many meters does one have to dig to reach that figure when in actual fact we are being paid ZW$2 per metre,” said the youth.
Ward 5 Cllr Hamuchineyi Nhengu said council is going to revise the amount and make a better offer with a reasonable amount to those who take the job.
“It is not fair to pay these workers ZW$2. Even the poorest person cannot take that offer because no one can work for that little money.
“We will sit-down as council and discuss the matter. It has been previously mentioned and those responsible are going to increase the amount so that it can sustain people who take up the job,” said Nhengu.
Currently the town is facing persistent water woes and poor refuse collection amidst chaos after the recalling of four councilors by the Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T.

Gokomere CPS, High school authorities granted bail

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Gokomere CPS, High school authorities granted bail

TellZim reporter

Authorities at Catholic- run Gokomere CPS and High schools were on Thursday granted bail when they appeared at Masvingo Magistrates Court for embezzling schools funds.
Gokomere High head Acquanos Mazhunga (56), deputy head Cephas Vhurumuku, Priest-in- charge John Magadzire (40), CPS head Mhangarai Celestino Masakadza (50) and Alex Mawaya (52) stand accused of theft of trust property.
They were granted ZW$ 10 000 each by Masvingo Magistrate Patience Madondo and remanded out of custody to October 28, 2021.
Madondo also ordered the accused persons to reside at given addresses, not to interfere with state witnesses and surrender their travel documents.
The complainant is Masvingo District Schools Inspector (DSI) Ishmael Chigaba who made a report after Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) received complaints about abuse of funds on May 27, 2021 from parents who have children at the two schools.
An audit carried earlier in May this year unearthed massive corrupt dealings of unsupported payments transacted through ZB bank debt card with no payment vouchers, invoices or receipts amounting to ZW$ 1 477 373.
The audit also revealed that the school’s fourth account held at Standard Chartered bank (01002680031401) in the name of John Magadzire received ZW$ 1 722 697 in levies but a total of ZW$ 1 456 064 was spent on non-school related transactions.
The schools authorities are alleged to have siphoned a total of ZW$ 2 933 437 from January 01, 2020 up to May 31, 2021.
Allegations are that they would instruct the school bursar to transfer money from the main ZB bank account into the debt accounts they had opened as they were the only signatories in the absence of the SDC.
The trio of Mazhunga, Vhurumuku and Magadzire also did not elect a School Development Committee (SDC) thereby violating Statutory Instrument 87 of 1992 Section 8(1) that requires the election of SDCs by parents at every Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The last five SDC members to run the affairs were elected in 2018 but three of them ceased to be members since their children are no longer enrolled at the school.
The quintet were represented by Advocate Collen Maboke while Janeth Muvavi represented the state.

Mwenezi man killed over beer

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Mwenezi man killed over beer

Cephas Shava

Mwenezi –A 24 year-oldman lost his life after an intense argument emanating from refusal to share his beer with another reveller at Mhlanga Pool Shade, Neshuro Growth Point on September 30, 2021, TellZim News can report.
Maxwell Simba (24) was stoned to death by 23 year-old Simbarashe Mafembo after the former pursued his would-be-killer after an argument over sharing beer.
Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident.
“I confirm receiving a report of a 24 year-old man who was killed by one aged 23.Mafembo is alleged to have drunk the beer belonging to Simba without him consenting to that leading to a heated argument. At around 1830 hours, Morris Manyangire (41) refrained the two from fighting.
“At around 9pm Mafembo then left the shopping centre but Simba followed him saying he was not satisfied that the former a younger man could out-muscle him. The accused then picked up a stone and struck him on the head and he lied unconsciously,” said Insp Dhewa.
Some sources privy to the incident said the two were mocking each other and that did not go down well with the deceased leading to a fight.
“The two’s argument started during a snooker game which was being played outside Mhlanga Bar. Though the bar was closed, some people were playing pool. The two began to mock each other over some petty issues. This did not go down well with Simba who followed Mafembo when he left the place after brief exchange of some blows, “said the source.
Upon walking for about 300 meters from where the argument started, with Simba in pursuit, Mafembo is said to have picked up a stone and hit him on the head leaving him unconscious.
The deceased bled excessively at the scene and was declared dead at Neshuro District Hospital.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the perpetrator who is at large.

 

Mr President Tinyareiwo

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Mr President Tinyareiwo

I had vowed that I will not talk about the crazy professor Mthuli but eish you know how Mapombi is, haagone kunyarara when things are going south. I don’t know how many times I have told you that Mthuli is crazy but I know some of you thought I was the crazy one. But now I think maakuzvionawo kuti ndairevesa zvangu. I used to emulate the professors and Doctors in Zimbabwe but mmmm , now I don’t, especially after Mthuli and Dokora. I heard things are not good for the crazy doctor Dofora who introduce CALAZ To our education system. haa these guys don’t want to leave office, after Dofora was dismissed from government I thought he has retired and will focus on his project yekuchengeta ndebvu izvo bodo, vari kutoda zvigaro muZanu. Kkkk hanzi he moved out of the race yeucheyameni kuMash Central after an assassination attempt kkk hokoyo naKazembe Kazembe.
Back to our learned professor of Incompetence, chatanga bootlicking, hanzi ED is the best boss I have ever had, tikwanire apo iwe Mthuli, how can he be the best when he is failing to run the company you work on. Yes ED is the CEO, hanty he is taking this country like a private company where he and his sons and a few others enjoy while we languish in poverty. How can he be the best when the company is running losses every day? So this simply means one thing, you don’t care about other people but yourselves chete. The problem that we have as a country is that we don’t tell the leaders the truth, bootlicking yakanyanya and it is costing us. Please Mthuli tell ED the truth kwete kumunyepera, zvinhu hazvina kumira mushe.
Ko ndiyani akaroyawo Mathema nhai, I heard the guy has suffered a stroke, haa I hope it is just a normal stroke hakusi kuroyewa. Did I waste my prayer last week but one paya pandakati ndomunamatira, at least he is alive hake. But mmm kuZanu kana usina chero muteuro wamadzibba zvawo unenge uri pama1 because boys riya kana usina kusimba vanokupfuudza. Chete in Zanu we have a lot of moving graves, chitima chevarwere. Kembo, General, Khaya Moyo and of late Mathema havs joined the band wagon yevarwere who do not want to leave office. Why not go and rest and leave the party to the energetic youths, ipai vana Gomwe ivavo vamhanye nacho kutema vamwe nemachair shows they are energetic. Kkkk but kuZanu Kwakoma, kutemena nemachir fighting to get into positions of corruption. The internal elections were not only chaotic in Harare, pedu paChiredzi apa MP Svuure vakamhanyiswa vakasiya kumwe kusina machairpersons kkkk, that’s Zanu PF for you, I however like their baboonish behaviour, they fight each other very much, but when it comes to fighting the common enemy they unite kwete. During elections iiii vanomira, or at least the disgruntled just chill kwete zvekuMDC zvekuti angofunga otonotanga zvake. Zvakamboitwa nana Biti with PDP, Weshman, ana Linda Masarira, ana Khupe vakazodai kutorerwa naDhagi kkkk, seka zvako Mapombi. kuZanu we need youthful people to square it off nana Chamisa vso that vanodashuranawo nevezera tambawo nevezeara kwete madara anoda kuita Gondo Muzvitiyo.
Ko zvemaMinister without potifolio zvichiriko? I thought zvakapera kudara ini, sure in this age and era munhu anonzi should just be a minister even if you don’t have zvekuita. Sure uku ndokutijairira chaiko. At leat just respect us and squander the money and state resources as you have been doing all along makanyarara. Please tinyareiwo Mr President, or else ndimi maguta henyu kunyarwa. We know you abuse state funds but this is too much. Kana munhu arwara arwara simple, minister without portifolio chii, ichocho. Why didn’t you just give him the ministerial pecks without us knowing? Please Mr President tinyareiwo, kana arwara arwara amana ngaazorore. Moti Minhu akadai kudzosa amCala ari kunetsa vana, momipa futi huminister. He failed to protect the teachers kuti vasabatwa chibharo negovernment and in return oripwa kugara. Hezvo now Rwanda want our techers, because you are failing to pay them.
Mapombi feels sorry for Marry Chiwenga, I feel sorry for her as a fellow woman, General please feel pity for our Marry. I wonder where is Auxilia, sure how can she forsake Marry when they were together manje manje whe she took over the Angel Of Hope Foundation. Was her taking over a pre planned thing to strip Marry? I have been silent about this but it’s now too much. Let’s forget about what she did to Shingi Kawondera, I think she has already learnt her lesson. To all ladies married to powerful people out there, secure your future time ichiripo so that you won’t suffer kana masiiwa. Those in marriages please don’t leave your husband’s nekuda mari you will suffer at the end. Ndatoparidza ndapedza so, those with ears I hope vatonzwa.
Before I go kunokanga maputi angu for lunch, can someone tell me if the crazy professor is still at the hotel? I thought there is nothing like that in the new dispensation, I thought they have reformed but mmm Zanu IZanu nomatter who is at the top. Asi Mthuli haana kuenda KuChitepo School of ideology kkkkk. i think there they only teach cadres to be corrupt and shameless. Mmmm zvimwe zvinonyanya vakomana, kusanyara kwachoka, zvimwe itai muchiti munotamba vakomana.
Enough of Mthuli, let me warn my comrades in the MDC, if you need to win the 2023 elections please you need to up your game. I am sure you have seen that ZEC is very biased, kudedza Dhagi leaving the big tent to critical electoral consultative meetings means one thing, and come 2023, Zec will still side with Zanu. Malaba akadzoka kuConcourt, Chigumba is there and someone very old called Kazembe is also there so pakaipa. Hanzi ZEC hais kuziva kuti who are you, vanoziva Dhagi kwete imi kkkk.
To all Zimbabweans, my simple advice is that lets all register to vote. Pekuvhotera mopaziva mega, all I want is for the bigger part of the population to determine the future leaders, kana mati tidzosere varipo hapana problem, Eh ngaatonge hake mudara kkkk, at least it just has to be a collective decision not for 5 million people to decide for 17 million people. Kana mati futi Ngaapinde Hake Mukomana then toita zviripo.
Where is Mphoko ladies and gentlemen? Is he the one who told Mthuli to stay in a hotel? But Mphoko was better ladies and gentlemen, aitombouya nemaIncubator kkkkk mphoko imphoko.

Media not a tool for ‘Infordemic’-VMCZ

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Media not a tool for ‘Infordemic’-VMCZ

Emmanuel Chitsika

Media personnel and content creators in Masvingo province have been challenged to bear in mind their profession’s ethics when reporting on Covid-19 pandemic so that information dissemination would not end up being an ‘infordemic’.
Speaking during the launch of Covid-19 reporting guidelines supported by the European Union and United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at Chevron hotel in Masvingo on September25, 2021, Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) Executive Director Loughty Dube urged fellow journalists to exercise caution when handling the crisis so that the fourth estate would not create a ‘crisis within crisis’.
“Journalists are encouraged to ensure total adherence to ethical considerations of the profession that is paying particular attention to creating balance in news reporting, accuracy and truthfulness so that whatever information, they disseminate for public consumption will not result in an infordemic which is information pandemic.
“We have noted with concern the proliferation of bogus content creators and online publications where fake news have become predominant,” said Dube.
He also urged journalists to create and maintain their information sources in form of health experts such that they prepare good articles from an informed viewpoint.
“Covid-19 reporting goes beyond focusing or paying attention to post cabinet briefings or the Ministry of Health and Child Care reports thus coming up with thought provoking news articles,” he added.
Zimbabwe National Editors’ Forum national coordinator Njabulo Ncube also weighed in placing emphasis on the need for journalists to guard against discriminatory jargon whenever they are called for duty and ensure they respond positively to capacitation on accurate reporting.
“As media we were caught up in this crisis, we had never reported on this new norm. Therefore, the guidelines are intended to guide us as we report on this new norm. Reporters did not understand the reporting on Covid-19 that led to them harassing of a Covid-19 positive person in Bulawayo.
“Covid-19 is not an elitist phenomenon but it is a crisis. No matter the circumstances, journalists are called to duty where they risk their lives as part of work routines. So let us embrace this new medical journalism subject as we provide coverage of the pandemic,” said Ncube.
Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) Nigel Mutumbuki however bemoaned the restrictive working environment journalists worked under during the peak of lockdown measures where the journos were at first not regarded as essential service providers hence difficulties in accessing information for publication.
“During the first days of the pandemic, most journalists worked from home where at first we were not recognised as essential service providers and it is not even clear on what our role would be in times of crisis.
“We have to really invest in a process of actually establishing on what we can do which is not just thinking while seated at our homes but something within the media fraternity. The survey looked at identifying the needs of the media that is personal safety (personal protective equipment), freedom from harassment as well as digital equipment for media sustainability and capacity concerns,” said Mutumbuki.
He also pointed out the challenge of lack of access to information affecting news gathering and reporting.
“Up to now the statutory instrument by government on Covid-19 that centralizes the dissemination of information and that the only official authority is central government which bureaucratize information thereby paralysing the reportage on the pandemic
“The fact that the legal frameworks criminalize the dissemination of what is deemed fake and can cause alarm and despondency, one would face a jail term and it is similar to criminal defamation. The best defence against fake news is doing away with infordemic which is the main thrust of what brought us here,” he added.
The empowerment workshop was meant to equip journalists with skills and expertise on how best they can go about the reporting on Covid-19 so that reporters accurately report on the subject at the same time doing away with sensationalizing news through unscrupulous newsgathering methods.

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