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Minister Mushowe

Farirai Machivenyika Harare Bureau
Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Christopher Mushowe yesterday met journalists working for foreign media organisations and urged them to report truthfully on the situation in Zimbabwe.

In his address Minister Mushowe said journalists play a critical role in promoting the national image.

“To me you are ambassadors of the country, you are the eyes and ears of the countries you represent here. You are the ones who can tell them that Zimbabwe is hospitable. People from outside Zimbabwe would want to know what is happening in Zimbabwe, what is the environment like and you are the ones to tell them,” he said.

Minister Mushowe said he wanted to have a cordial working relationship with the media.

“I hope we can work and share views together. My wish is to see growth in this sector, my wish is to see that your investments in this country are protected and create opportunities for our people,” Minister Mushowe said.

The minister said government was committed to freedom of expression for everyone and urged journalists not to abuse privilege by reporting falsehoods about the situation in the country.

“We want complete freedom of expression for everyone. You should write what is good about the country and also what is bad. However, what we want is that you report correctly about the situation in the country. You should not hide behind your rights to abuse the right of others,” he said.

Minister Mushowe said government had no plans to shut down any media organisation and was committed to growth of the industry.

He said he had an open door policy and urged the journalists to bring any issues they might have to his attention.

The meeting was attended by correspondents of organisations that include the BBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, Associated Press, and Agence France Presse, among others.