By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – The highly anticipated interview between Zimbabwean journalist DJ Ollah and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana, at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair has ignited debate, with many observers pointing to a significant failure to address critical national issues. The 57-minute podcast, touted as an opportunity to delve into pressing concerns, largely skirted fundamental problems plaguing Zimbabwe, particularly in the realm of public service delivery.
A key criticism leveled against the interview is the apparent lack of probing questions regarding basic essentials and public service delivery. Despite the widely acknowledged deterioration of infrastructure and services across the country, DJ Ollah seemingly failed to press Nick Mangwana on concrete plans and timelines for improvement. This omission is particularly glaring given Mangwana’s role as the government’s mouthpiece, a position that demands a confident and well-informed understanding of these very issues.
Many believe the pre-planned and pre-discussed nature of the interview stifled any genuine exploration of complex challenges. The absence of incisive follow-up questions prevented a deeper analysis of the often-vague responses offered by the Permanent Secretary. Comparisons are already being drawn to journalists like Robson Sharuko, known for their tenacity and ability to dissect issues thoroughly, suggesting a missed opportunity to hold the government accountable.
The stark contrast between the current state of disrepair and the once well-maintained infrastructure of Harare serves as a poignant example of the issues seemingly overlooked. The previously high-quality roads, both in affluent and less privileged suburbs, and the crucial arteries connecting Harare to outlying areas like Bhora Road and Murewa Centre, which facilitated vital economic activity, stand in stark contrast to the pothole-ridden reality of today. It remains unclear whether DJ Ollah adequately grasped the depth of this regression.
While DJ Ollah is often perceived as a journalist who holds interviewees accountable, this particular encounter suggests a need for enhanced interviewing skills, particularly in the realm of follow-up questioning and analytical thinking. The interview format lacked the depth often seen in international media, where specialized political or sector-specific editors bring a wealth of knowledge and targeted questioning to the table.
A crucial point of contention was the cursory mention of Harare City Council’s failure to acquit funds received from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), which reportedly receives 90 percent of road funds. DJ Ollah’s failure to press Nick Mangwana on what concrete action the government, elected to serve the people, is taking to address this apparent dereliction of duty by a local authority under the purview of the Ministry of Local Government, is a significant oversight. The implication that Harare City Council can seemingly evade accountability without rigorous questioning raises serious concerns about governance and service delivery. DJ Ollah`s interview techniques were found seriously wanting.
Furthermore, the interview missed opportunities to explore critical policy areas. While Mangwana touched on plans to build more schools, the glaring issue of the unfulfilled promise of free education was not adequately addressed. The examples of other African nations, such as Burkina Faso under Ibrahim Traoré and Togo under Faure Gnassingbé, Botswana under Gideon Boko making strides in this area highlight the urgency and relevance of this question for Zimbabwe. Similarly, the critical state of public health in Zimbabwe warranted a thorough examination, yet this vital area remained largely unexplored.
The interview has sparked a wider conversation about the need for Zimbabwean journalists to elevate their interviewing techniques. Enhanced research, thorough preparation, and a commitment to developing strong analytical skills are crucial for holding those in power accountable and effectively serving the public interest. The missed opportunities in this interview underscore the vital role of a robust and probing media in addressing the challenges facing Zimbabwe and ensuring that the voices and concerns of the populace are effectively conveyed and acted upon by those in authority. DJ Ollah was not ready to hold such an important interview and on the other hand Nick Mangwana has been exposed as lacking knowledge and skills required for his position. If Nick Mangwana had been in that position in a country like Rwanda he would have been fired by now for such a poor performance in a simple interview.
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