Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Simon Khaya Moyo has warned journalists against involving themselves in politics saying the media should mirror the state of democracy obtaining in the country.
Giving his key note address at the commemorations of World Press Freedom Day in Harare today, Minister Moyo said journalists should know their ethics and reports news as it is.
“Let us stay clear from the old snare of media polarization which seeks to entrap our media from joining partisan politics.
“Let us leave politics to the political parties and we have over 104 of them in the country and more may still emerge to contest in the forthcoming elections,” he said.
He added, ” Let us be professional journalists and demonstrate not only to the outside world but to ourselves in the run up to and during the elections that we are not partisan.”
Moyo called on the press to mirror democracy in the country ushered by the assumption of office by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Our press and media in general one such pillar reflecting the democracy we enjoy in our country, especially under the new administration of President Emerson Mnangagwa,” said Moyo.
He commended the media in Zimbabwe for positively changing in tandem with the political environment obtaining in the country, adding that his ministry is operating on an open door policy.
Moyo denied claims that political change has been cosmetic saying its just a perception which is residual.
“I am aware that there could be still a residual perception among some that nothing has really changed, this is not true, the past is now behind us,” he said.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on the 3rd of May every year, world wide under the auspices of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organizations, (UNESCO).
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme, ‘Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law.’
