MDC Alliance Presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba to stop abusing state media saying the people of Zimbabwe deserve respect from the public media- accused of churning out Zanu PF propaganda.
Addressing a fully packed rally at Mkoba stadium in Gweru yesterday, Chamisa expressed displeasure at the manner in which ZBC covered his Bulawayo rally, imploring Charamba to be accountable to the people of Zimbabwe who need accurate information to make informed decisions.
“ZBC and Sunday Mail, please George Charamba respect the people of Zimbabwe, honor them, they are paying taxes for the public broadcaster yet you want to give them Zanu PF propaganda,” said Chamisa.
He added that his government will embark on media personnel reorientation program to redirect the state media to meet its fourth estate role in a democratic state.
“I believe in free press but I have a problem with a bastardised press, I have a problem with a twisted press. I have problem even with a justice system, it’s an extension of Zanu PF,” added Chamisa.
He further castigated the government for usurping the urban council duties and assigning them to the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA) hinting that his government will return Executive Mayors so that the municipalities are empowered to discharge their duties with no government influence.
“So you Mnangagwa and Chiwenga think that people do not know that you took the functions of the city council of road maintenance and put them under ZINARA?
“You think people don’t know that you also took 5 percent which should come from the central government, and you have not given local authorities money yet to want to lie today,” questioned Chamisa
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is on record castigating MDC councilors for failing to deliver alleging corruption and incompetence, the allegations Chamisa dismissed as false.
Chamisa is on a countrywide campaign trail ahead of next Monday’s harmonized polls, the first for Zimbabwe since the fall of long time ruler Robert Mugabe in November last year.
