PANOS Institute Southern Africa (PSaf) executive director, Lilian Kiefer commends Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Professor Jonathan Moyo for his efforts to work with different stakeholders in developing the country’s media sector and ending polarisation.
Speaking at a press conference in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday, Kiefer highly praised Prof Moyo for his efforts in creating an environment where the public and private, electronic, print and online media will be driven by the common goal of setting the agenda for Zimbabwe’s development.
She said, “For the people of Zimbabwe to drive their own development, they need a strong, vibrant and diverse media sector through which ordinary citizens and their duty bearers can engage in informed and inclusive dialogue to find solutions to the country’s socio-economic challenges.”
Kiefer goes on to say: “A strong media is also important for promoting good governance in the country, by playing the role of a watchdog, keeping checks and balances on the three arms of government, namely the Executive, Judiciary and Legislature.
“There is a strong link between good governance, development and democracy.
“The power of the media in fostering good governance, transparency and accountability cannot and should never be underestimated.
“For this to happen the media needs a favourable environment to flourish and we have no doubt that the current interventions by the Ministry are a step in the right direction.”
She added that Prof Moyo’s efforts will strengthen national public media bodies such as the Zimbabwe National Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), the Zimbabwe Newspapers (Zimpapers) Group and the New Ziana, which are key institutions in promoting good governance and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
More so, she said: “A non-partisan public media will serve as a platform through which voices of the poor and marginalised citizens of Zimbabwe will also be heard.
“This will in turn enhance dialogue and engagement between citizens and the authorities, presenting a platform through which the electorate can keep checks and balances among those that they have entrusted with the responsibility of governing their affairs.”
Kiefer hopes that Prof Moyo’s efforts are sincere and in good faith and urged different stakeholders to put aside their political differences and work together for the development of the media in Zimbabwe.
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