The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) hosted the 5th Bornwell Chakaodza Memorial Lecture in honor of Zimbabwe’s veteran and iconic journalist, the late Bornwell Chakaodza.
By Lovejoy Mutongwiza
Dumisani Muleya, who is the editor of Zimbabwe Independent, a local weekly newspaper, delivered the key note address, where he challenged journalists to emulate the legacy left by Chakaodza and also took time to encourage journalists to embrace the digital era which he said can go a long way in the sustainability of the media fraternity if fully and well implemented.
“Digital technology offers new opportunities for media players as the media space has been opened for professionals, citizen journalists, laymen and internet bloggers,
“We are now operating on a level field and us as journalists, should take the first initiative in making use of this digital era.
“This era needs social media users who are organized and can start their own businesses, who can start their own companies and make a bit of money. These are the people we are looking for in the digital era,” said Muleya.
Speaking at the same event, human rights lawyer, Aleck Muchadehama, underscored the need to have Chakaodza’s legacy preserved as he stood for the good of the journalism industry. He said Chakaodza will forever be remembered for divulging the truth as well as professional conduct which he said is lacking in most journalists nowadays as they tend to put money first.
“This lecture is aimed at reminding us of the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct in the practice of journalism,
“Those of us who interacted with Bornwell Chakaodza know that these are issues that were at the bottom of his heart. Let us take time to reflect on the life of this man and the virtues that he stood for,” said Muchadehama.
This year’s lecture coincided with the World Press Freedom Day commemorations which were held under the theme, “MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY IN THE DIGITAL ERA” where calls were made for journalists to take advantage of the new digital era which has the potential to open up markets for media practitioners.
