Prime Minister Tsvangirai respects a free press

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai respects a free press in Zimbabwe and he sincerely believes that press freedom is an integral part of a democratic society.

The Prime Minister, for long a victim of hate speech and a subservient public media, has largely remained quiet in the wake of vicious and defamatory attacks. He respects the public media, but the same media also have a responsibility to respect him and the public office that he holds.

It is in this context that the Prime Minister made what the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists is calling unpalatable remarks about journalists from the public media. At a recent seminar organized by the SAPES Trust, the Prime Minister berated the public media for irresponsible journalism, adding that judging by the incessant propaganda peddled from those media houses, it was hard to believe that the journalists themselves believed in their own stories. 

Prime Minister Tsvangirai has always been a victim and not a perpetrator of hate speech. He has been a victim of a hostile public media that has consistently and persistently attacked his person and it is regrettable that the ZUJ has not sought to protect him or to censor the responsible journalists and the media houses.

Everyone deserves protection from the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists and the Zimbabwe Media Commission; from the public media journalists who are themselves victims of government bureaucrats and politicians, to the hapless Zimbabweans like the Prime Minister who are needlessly vilified every day. The Prime Minister is a staunch disciple of press freedom and that is why he has championed media reforms as a key deliverable if this country is to have conditions for free and fair polls.

Journalists, particularly those in the public media, must be free to do their duties with neither fear nor coercion. They must refuse to be purveyors of one political party and one political leader, but must respect the political diversity that Zimbabwe has become since the consummation of the inclusive government in 2009.

The Prime Minister believes in the role of free expression in economic development. He believes that the fanning of violence and hatred by the media must stop immediately in the national interest. But he also upholds and respects the GPA, which calls for the granting of new broadcasting licenses to private players and calls on the public media to refrain from abusive language and hate speech.

Luke Tamborinyoka

Spokesperson - Office of the Prime Minister Harare

BAZ call for webcasting and diffusion service applicants mired in confusion

 MISA-Zimbabwe is concerned about the reports that do not only continue to add confusion on the country’s broadcasting regulatory body but also appear to be aimed at legitimising the body which has been deemed to have been illegally constituted by the information ministry in 2009.

This follows the publication of a notice published in The Sunday Mail of 19-25 December, 2010 in which the Broadcasting and Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) called for diffusion and webcasting service providers to register their operations with it this year saying it has the legality to demand fees and license of their operations.

The announcement by the BAZ implies that banks, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and other business operators with diffusion services are required to register. The call also extends to broadcasting of pre-recorded programmes for reception by passengers of railway service, transport operators, i.e. railcasting and roadcasting.

Diffusion service is defined under the BSA as including the dissemination—
(a)   by means of any conducting medium of the whole or any part of writing, signs, signals, pictures, impulses or sounds broadcast by a broadcasting service; or
(b)   of music, speech, pictures or other data for information, education or entertainment purposes by means of any conducting medium connected to two or more items of apparatus specifically designed for the reproduction of sound, pictures or data; or
(c)  of teletext and vertical blanking intervals

Roadcasting as defined under the BSA refers to the broadcasting of pre-recorded programmes for reception by passengers of any public service vehicle as defined in the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11], while railcasting means the broadcasting of pre-recorded programmes for reception by passengers of any railway service.

The Act also defines webcasting as a computer-mediated broadcasting service.

In the notice, BAZ emphasized the definition of a broadcasting service under the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) as meaning “any service which delivers television or radio programmes to persons having equipment appropriate for receiving that service.”

The registration fees vary from $3000.00 for transport operators to $9000.00 for programme providers annually. Webcasters will be required to fork out $1000.00 non-refundable application fee and $18000.00 in license fees for the webcasting service.

BAZ also advised that it will be receiving the applications throughout the year and warned that it was illegal for any person to provide any service that falls within the broadcasting definition without a permission granted by it.

BAZ is a board established under the Broadcasting service Act (BSA) of Zimbabwe to regulate all broadcasting services in Zimbabwe.  Since the enactment of the BSA in 2001, the BAZ only called for applications once in 2005, but failed to issue a single license to prospective private broadcasters who had submitted applications, leaving the state’s broadcasting monopoly over Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation to continue.

The legal status of the current BAZ is mired in confusion. In terms of the law the president has the discretion to appoint nine nominees submitted by representative groups such as churches, legal practitioners and accountants following a call for nominations by the Minister. The president makes the other three appointments from a list of six nominees submitted by SROC.

In September 2009, the ministry of information unprocedurally appointed the BAZ as noted by even the principals to the Unity government at the SADC summit held in Windhoek, Namibia 2010. In fact, the coalition government agreed to reconstitute the board within 30 days. It was agreed that the Information Ministry, the Parliamentary Standing Rules and Orders Committee (SROC) and the principals would be responsible for that reconstitution.

MISA-Zimbabwe position

MISA-Zimbabwe is guided by the African Charter on Broadcasting in its emphasis on the need for transparency in the appointment and composition of BAZ. This makes inevitable, the need for the repeal of the existing repressive Broadcasting Services Act and its replacement with a democratic law in line with regional and international instruments on broadcasting.

It is against this background that MISA-Zimbabwe seeks clarity and transparency in the regulation of the broadcasting sector to allow for the proliferation of private broadcasters to enhance access to information for the generality of the Zimbabwean population. MISA –Zimbabwe calls for the clarity on the legal status of BAZ so that aspiring broadcasters are clear on which board to approach for broadcasting licenses

Source: Media Institute Of Southern Africa, www.misa.org

Government to roll out new AVR drug from April

The Zimbabwean Government is planning to start distributing a new Anti Retro Viral drug called Tenofovir in April, following complaints by recipients of Stavudine of side effects that have in some cases led to death.

The Ministry of Health head of TB unit, Dr Charles Sandy revealed to journalists during a media briefing hosted by Safaids in Harare that the combination of Tenofonvir, Laminuvine and Nevorapine is less toxic and causes minimum side effects.

Stavudine also known as Zerit or D4t is associated with side effects such as diabetes, muscularity, loss of memory, general body pain and fatigue, headaches and loss of libido in males. The continued use of the drug by the Ministry of Health resulted in some recipients defaulting risking developing drug resistant trends of HIV.

“We are changing the drug in view of the complaints recipients are giving, in accordance with World Health Organisation new guidelines. The probability of becoming resistant to an ARV drug is very high, if taken for more than three years.

The new drug is less toxic to human liver hence the recommendation although the cost of administering that drug is much higher,” revealed Dr Charles Sandy.

According to Dr Charles Sandy the cost of administering Stavudine combination (triomune) at a state hospital is $79 per annum whereas latest drugs which are less toxic and patient friendly will cost at least $137 a year per individual. 

Currently Zimbabwe has about 1, 3 million people living HIV of which 593, 000 are in need of Ante Retro Therapy although only 301,198 people are being catered for.

Despite achieving a sharp decline in HIV/Aids prevalence within a short time Zimbabwe is still suffering from a high mortality rate of around 86 000 mainly due to TB. It is estimated that about 80 percent of people with TB have HIV hence the integrated model of testing people with any ailment for HIV.

Efforts have been put in place to reduce the death toll to 46 000 by 2015 through provision of quality HIV care, expanding and sustaining the currency WHO programmes, early initialisation of ART, increased laboratory capacity, nutritional support and abolition of user fees.

By John Cassim

Media centre in pictures

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Zambezi Valley - Zimbabwe's most Marginalised Region

The Zambezi Valley is one of the most disadvantaged vulnerable regions in Zimbabwe with the lowest social indicators in the country, a Zimbabwe born UK-based researcher has said.

Sunset in the Zambezi valley

The marginalization of the Tonga and Korekore people is largely attributed to the involuntary displacement in 1957 to make way for the Kariba Dam Hydroelectric Scheme and yet it remains  one of the richest regions endowed with natural resources in Zimbabwe.

Dr Bernard Manyena, a researcher from Northumbria University, UK, who was  brought up in Binga was one of the participants at the recent conference which focused on Access and Benefit-sharing of Resources in the Zambezi Valley. 

Said the Researcher in an interview with Media Centre Zim on the sidelines of the workshop: “The CAMPFIRE model is one of the best models the world over, which adopts an ecosystem services approach. However, putting conservation ahead of poverty has caused a lot of tensions between Rural District Councils, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife  Management Authority (ZPWMA) and the communities.

“We need to re-think and refine the model to appropriately tackle deep-rooted causes of poverty in the Zambezi Valley using available natural and genetic resources. This is in line with Conference of Parties 10 on Biodiversity  held in Japan in November 2010, which emphasizes equitable access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources.

“In relation to fishing, the fishers in the Zambezi valley have had conflicts with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority since the displacement to pave way for Kariba Dam in 1957. Fishing is one of the high risk jobs today, yet the fishers’ livelihoods  are dependent on fishing.”

One of the issues discussed at the conference was the Kariba Lakeshore Combination Master Plan (KLCMP) which was approved by the government in 1999. The conference outcome includes an action plan on how access and benefit-sharing issues should be taken forward and also ensure the KLMCP is implemented by central government, local authorities, non-governmental agencies and the private sector.

By Gilbert Munetsi

Belated Soccer Stars banquet on the cards

Joel Ngodzo

A belated banquet to honour the Soccer Stars of the Year for 2010 will be held at the Rainbow Towers on Thursday, January 27.

Organisers of the 47^th edition of the event, the Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe,  said 200 people drawn from the sports and related sectors have been invited for this annual function on the national football calendar.

They attributed the delay in hosting the honours for the country’s top 11 footballers to a lack of corporate support. Traditionally, it is the mandate of the Premier Soccer League to put together the Awards ceremony, but owing to the fact that even the league itself is being run with nil sponsorship, the scribes have taken it upon themselves to take over.

“It is better to be late than never. What is of paramount importance is that as sports journalists, we have seen it proper to be involved by doing something for sport apart from just writing stories.

“We hope the other sections of society such as the corporate world will also come on board and extend a helping hand to fulfill our endeavour of seeing our best performers duly rewarded,” said Philemon Mhlanga, the SWAZ treasurer and chairman of the Marketing and Fundraising Committee.

The nominated Soccer Stars for 2010 are Edmore Sibanda, Nyasha Mushekwi, Charles Sibanda, Bhekithemba Ncube, Norman Maroto, Joel Ngodzo, Menard Mupera, Desmond Maringwa, Benjamin Marere and Fortune Ncube.

While the Golden Boot Award automatically goes to Maroto for having banged in the most number of goals during the season, it remains to be seen who will be the Soccer Star of the Year, his first and second runners-up.

The coach and referee of the Year will also be known on the night of the Awards ceremony.

By Gilbert Munetsi

SADC, AU agenda setters in Zim's reform saga

SADC and the African Union have – alongside other internal national establishments - been blamed for the failure of the Global Political Agreement and the Inclusive Government to function properly, as they have not been able to reign in the IG on breaches and non-performance of provisions of the GPA.

The sentiments were expressed by the Board Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Andrew Makoni, at a press conference held in the capital on Thursday, January 20. It was convened to reveal ZLHR’s position on key political processes and imperatives.

“It (Inclusive Government) has failed to focus on core issues around reforms and democratization, overly concentrating on outstanding power-sharing issues, and even then it has not been effective.

“Countless resolutions and recommendations have been made and time-lines for action set at various meetings of both SADC Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and the SADC Heads of State and Government. However, the principals have failed to comply with and/or implement these resolutions and recommendations as well as their undertakings.

“By failing to take strong action to prevent or punish breaches, SADC has encouraged – whether actively or by its own inaction – impunity and continued non-compliance with its own deadlines and benchmarks. This calls into question SADC’s political will,” he said.

He said there was now need, as the best way forward, to finalise and implement a comprehensive and decisive roadmap to fresh, free and fair elections.

“The role and responsibility of SADC and the AU in ensuring a conducive environment for the elections in the shortest time possible cannot be underestimated. There must be political will manifested through clear time-lines, and repercussions for non-compliance,” he noted.

By Gilbert Munetsi

Spar steps in taking care of former stars

A supermarket chain has pledged to look into the welfare of former soccer players by giving them employment when their active playing days are over and the poorhouse is beckoning.

SPAR made the offer after meeting with the soccer legends representative, Charlie Jones, and went on to donate goodies worth thousands of dollars to kick-start the relationship which will prove handy to the former greats, most of whom are known to live in destitution long after having  hung their soccer boots.

The Food chain group went a mile further by providing a coffin and other assistance following the death of Kenneth “The Computer” Jere who passed on recently. He was a Dynamos striker blessed with dribbling wizardry, thereby earning himself the name of the technological gadget.

Addressing players at a recent function in Harare where more than 40 attended, Jones bemoaned the plight of the former players, and urged them to unite and form a vibrant union representative of their interests.

“It is not as if we made the game of football what is today. We are just a forgotten lot yelling in the abysmal pit in the wilderness, praying someone may hear us. We just do not enjoy the status we should, hence the need to join forces and speak with one voice,” said the former Arcadia and Caps United forward.

Among those who attended were George Shaya, Freddy Mukwesha, Jimmy Mbewe, Carlos Max, Sheperd Muradzikwa, Sunday and Misheck Chidzambwa, David Mandigora, Gift Makoni, Elvis Chiweshe, Stanford Mutizwa and Laban Kandi.

By Gilbert Munetsi

Travel Media plays host to FIFA Ambassador

Kalusha Bwalya

TRAVEL Media - a local travel and tour operations company - has seized on the opportunity of a visit to the country by FIFA ambassador, Kalusha Bwalya, by offering him an attractive mini-holiday package complete with executive full board accommodation and game view in the resort town of Nyanga.

Bwalya, Zambia’s all-time soccer great and current president of the Football Association of Zambia, will be in the country upon invitation by the Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe. He is expected to officiate as the Guest of Honour at a belated banquet organized to present prizes to the top footballers for 2010 who ply their trade in the Premier Soccer League. He will be accompanied by his wife and a team of journalists from his home country.

The offer to host Bwalya was this week announced by Travel Media Chief Executive Officer, Alson Darikayi, who said his company was also muting the idea of engaging the Nyanga Tourism Association and the town’s local authority, with an aim to confer the freedom of either the Town or NTA to the soccer icon.

“He is a great son of the continent, and his coming here has a worthy cause attached to it – he has humbled himself and agreed to leave other busy and urgent schedules to cap the crème de la crème of our local football. That, in itself, speaks volumes about a brother with real African attributes, and our coming on board to support this is our own little way of reciprocating the good thing done by Brother Kalu,” Darikayi said.

The Zambian delegation will leave Harare for Nyanga in the morning of January 28, where the celebrity and his wife will be staying at the Troutbeck Resort while the rest of the contingent will be booked at Montclaire, Rhodes Nyanga and the Village Inn. They will then be taken on a three hour scenic tour of Mt Nyangani, Mtarazi Falls, Nyangombe Falls, Mare Dam, Trout Hatchery and World’s View. They return to Lusaka on the 29, where Bwalya will immediately connect to the FIFA Headquarters on business.

Sulu's first performance of 2011 on Saturday

Sulumani Chimbetu

DENDERA Music crooner Sulumani Chimbetu has decided to prematurely end his annual vacation and resume work with the first show for 2011 penciled in for Jazz 105 on Saturday, January 21. He will co-perform with the group Mafrik, according to posters put up around the City and adverts flighted in the press.

The new development contrasts with his early declaration that he would take a break and resume performances in February. And it appears it is the lure of the Dollar has compelled Sulu to re-consider his initial plans and take to the dance floor sooner than anticipated.

Or could it be the manager of his Members’ Club, one Negos Bonnie Jana, who is misleading the people, as he is the one churning out information to followers of the hit-maker?

While it has not been confirmed if he has other shows before the end of the month, he will perform for his first time ever at the Spillway Pub and Restaurant on February 5 in a show dubbed “The 2011 Kickstart Show.” The venue’s director, Kenneth Madangure, said of this particular musical fixture:

“It will be Sulu’s first ever performance here and it will be different from most of his shows in that he will have no supporting acts. People should expect fireworks.”

Riding on the success of his latest production, Non-Stop which features the hit song Dzamutsana, Chimbetu will during the course of February take his act down South, where he has been slotted to churn the Dendera sounds in Pretoria and Johannesburg. In the former City he will be at Soshanguve Hall while in the latter he has a date with his fans at the Safari Night Club.

By Gilbert Munetsi

NIZ to facilitate boy's T.B Joshua visit

NIZ Chairman Emeka

NIGERIANS In Zimbabwe have come to the rescue of a seven-year old boy by facilitating passage for him to travel to Lagos for a divine meeting with renowned world prophet T.B Joshua. The Association, made up of about 500 members of Nigerian origin resident in Zimbabwe, revealed this social responsibility gesture at a function held in Harare recently to commemorate their First anniversary.

At a tender age of three months, young Takunda Leeroy Katiyo was diagnosed with zerdema, a condition that has deformed his facial features. And because medical practitioners say there is nothing more they can do to help, his parents say his only hope lies in the visit to the Man of God in West Africa.

NIZ have pooled together financial resources which will see the issuance of visas for Leeroy and his mother, purchase of return air tickets for the two, their accommodation during the duration of their stay in Lagos, as well as internal transport from the moment they touch down at Lagos International Airport.

The assistance extended to the Katiyo family is valued at US$3 000. Arrangements have also been made with contacts in Nigeria for Leeroy to forgo the circuitious procedure associated with booking an appointment with the Mighty Man of God.

“We have been coming in handy in various other areas needing assistance. For instance, last year we donated bicycles to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other goodies to the Zimbabwe Prison Services, the aged and other vulnerable members of society. But this time around, our help is centred on helping save a life in the form of the young lad,” reads a statement from NIZ.

If Katiyo’s mission goes through, he will be the second publicly-know Zimbabwean to successfully engage T.B Joshua after the Zimbabwe Football Association president, Cuthbert Dube, received healing attention for an alleged back ailment. Prominent musician Tongai Moyo – who has written to ask for assistance with cancer – is yet to get a response to his request.

By Gilbert Munetsi

Peter to Guest play for the Soccer Stars Team

Peter Ndlovu

Peter Ndlovu, who surprised the local football community by signing for unknown soccer entity Highfield United FC, will make a pre-season appearance at Rufaro Stadium on January 25, in a match planned to prepare the Warriors for CHAN.

“Nsukuzonke,” which when literally translated means “The Flying Elephant,” will feature as a guest player on the side of the Soccer Stars of the Year as they play the Warriors.

The match will give national team caretaker coach, Madinda Ndlovu, the opportunity to assess his final side before departure for Madagascar for the CHAN campaign. Plans earlier made by the Zimbabwe Football Association to engage Zambia in an international friendly hit a snag, compelling the technical department to look up to meaningful local competition.

(Peter) Ndlovu confirmed this development in a telephone interview, saying he will be featuring in the match as a way of helping raise money for the Soccer Stars of the Year Banquet penciled in for Harare on January 27. His new club, Highfield Utd has been communicated with, and have given a nod to the request.

But it is his appearance at Rufaro that is expected to see soccer followers flocking to the stadium to see for themselves the thunder left in the lethal left boot of the former national team captain who, at 100 matches, is the most capped Zimbabwe Warrior.

By Gilbert Munetsi