By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – A recent interview conducted by popular Zimbabwean DJ Ollah 7 with socialite Mai Jeremaya has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many condemning the line of questioning as deeply personal, irrelevant, and exploitative. The public, along with media ethics advocates, are demanding accountability and a swift apology, highlighting the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals from the misuse of public platforms in the relentless pursuit of online engagement.
The interview, which rapidly gained traction across social media, saw DJ Ollah 7 delve into highly private matters concerning Mai Jeremaya’s past, including explicit questions about her virginity. This invasive questioning has been widely decried as an egregious breach of privacy and a blatant disregard for basic human dignity.
“Why go through the hassle of asking those questions? What was he trying to prove?” a concerned social media user questioned. “The seeking for likes, loves, and followers has gone out of hand, and action needs to be taken to protect vulnerable people in the community.”
Critics are pointing out the stark contrast between DJ Ollah 7’s approach to Mai Jeremaya and his interviews with figures in positions of authority, such as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana. It is argued that during such interviews, DJ Ollah 7 often shies away from “burning questions” that the public seeks answers to, instead opting for what some perceive as a more deferential stance. This selective approach has led to accusations that he prioritizes sensationalism and personal humiliation over substantive journalism, especially when interviewing those perceived as less powerful or influential.
“DJ Ollah should know better to use his platform in a positive manner,” stated a media analyst who wished to remain anonymous. “No one should ever have to be asked those questions, especially for a talk show. He asked about when, how, and who broke her virginity. Such information is private and not for public consumption.”
Media Ethics and Professionalism Under Scrutiny
This incident has thrown a spotlight on the state of media ethics and professionalism within Zimbabwe’s media landscape. Ethical journalism dictates that interviews should be conducted with respect, integrity, and a clear purpose that serves the public interest. Questions about an individual’s private life, particularly those of an intimate nature, are generally considered unethical and an invasion of privacy, unless there is an overwhelming public interest justification that outweighs the individual’s right to privacy. In this instance, many argue that no such justification exists.
Zimbabwe’s media laws, while upholding freedom of expression, also contain provisions related to privacy and defamation. The Broadcasting Services (Code of Conduct for Broadcasters) Regulations, 2023 explicitly states that every broadcasting service licensee shall “protect the privacy, dignity and reputation of persons when airing programming material relating to the private lives of individuals” and “not use material relating to a person’s personal or private” information without consent and justification. Such regulations are designed to prevent the very kind of sensationalist and intrusive questioning witnessed in the Mai Jeremaya interview.
The Cyber and Data Protection Act also reinforces the right to privacy and the protection of personal data, suggesting potential legal avenues for individuals whose private information is exposed without consent. While the application to live interviews might require specific interpretation, the spirit of the law emphasizes the protection of individuals’ personal boundaries.
Action and Apology Demanded
There is a growing chorus of voices calling for concrete action against DJ Ollah 7. Potential actions that could be considered by relevant Zimbabwean media regulatory bodies, such as the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) or the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), include:
Formal Investigation: Launching an official inquiry into the conduct of the interview to determine if any broadcasting regulations or ethical codes were violated.
Public Reprimand or Censure: Issuing a formal statement condemning the unprofessional conduct and breach of ethical guidelines.
Suspension or Revocation of Broadcasting Privileges: In severe or repeated cases of misconduct, regulatory bodies have the power to suspend or revoke a broadcaster’s license.
Mandatory Ethics Training: Requiring DJ Ollah 7, and potentially other media personalities, to undergo re-training on media ethics, privacy laws, and responsible broadcasting.
Beyond official sanctions, the public is vociferously demanding a public apology from DJ Ollah 7. Such an apology would not only be a gesture of remorse to Mai Jeremaya but also an acknowledgement to the wider public that such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“DJ Ollah has shown his bad side and unprofessional behavior,” a commentator stressed. “Women and young children, as well as boys and vulnerable men, should be protected from DJ Ollah.”
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for all media practitioners in Zimbabwe to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. The pursuit of “likes” and viral content must never come at the expense of an individual’s dignity and right to privacy. The eyes of the nation are now on the relevant authorities to see what action will be taken to safeguard vulnerable individuals and restore faith in the integrity of Zimbabwean media.
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