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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
MPOPOMA-Pelandaba legislator Joe Tshuma on Sunday donated a full set of playing kit to electronic and print journalists and challenged them to be objective in their work.

He donated the kits after a soccer match pitting journalists from the print and electronic media at Archers Sports Club, which the broadcasters won 7-3.

“My major reason for hosting this event was the fact that next year (this year) we are going for an elective year in many facets and you guys are going to be key in our society. What you are going to write or talk about on radio or television will either cause violence or bring peace,” said Tshuma.

“The media has the power to destroy or to build and I hope you are going to be professional. My appeal is that be above board as you go about your work, especially during in the 2018 election year. Always cross reference your stories with those who are alleged to have done something instead of having one-sided stories because in every story there are always two sides and if you ignore that aspect, you might lead us into turmoil. Let’s not politicise everything we do. Personally I would advocate that we disengage the political gear and engage a developmental gear, which encompasses everybody because after all, we are all Zimbabweans created by one God,” said Tshuma.

He said he chose to stage a mini-tournament for media practitioners after realising the important work which they do in shaping the nation and the world’s perception of things.

“I said to myself, here are people who are actually a very important cog in our lives and systems; people who have a determining and deciding voice, but who normally are ignored. They have said before that the pen is mightier than the sword and so it shows that you are in an industry that is determining, an industry that can break or make,” said Tshuma.

Also in attendance was Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda and Zimpapers general manager (Print and Digital Division) Marks Shayamano, who featured for the print media and showed youngsters one or two tricks with his “deft” touches upfront.

@skhumoyo2000