SHANNISE DZOBO
MASVINGO – The Media Institute of Southern Africa regional chairman, Golden Maunganidze has urged media practitioners to put their safety ahead of everything else as they go about their duties to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.
Maunganidze who is also MISA Zimbabwe Chapter chairman said this in a statement released recently to mark the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) that is held on May 3 every year throughout the world.
The veteran media studies lecturer said that the country witnessed an increase in the number of journalists that were assaulted, threatened or harassed at political gatherings and rallies while others were barred from covering national events especially those involving the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
“In 2022 the country also witnessed an increase in the number of journalists that were assaulted threatened or harassed at political gatherings and rallies, while others were also barred from covering national events and other cases involved the unlawful arrests and assaults of journalists conducting their lawful professional duties by the police,” said Maunganidze.
“Journalists and media workers, in general, should familiarise themselves with the profession’s safety and security guidelines to minimise the risks that come with their chosen profession,” he said.
He urged political parties, the police and other security forces to ensure safety and security of journalists during campaigns for the forthcoming harmonised elections later in the year.
“Political parties, the police and the broader security forces should ensure the safety and security of journalists during campaign rallies and at all times,” said Maunganidze.
“It is, therefore, our hope that this situation obtains ahead of and beyond the 2023 elections as the country continues with its media reforms agenda, of which the right to the exercise and enjoyment of freedom of expression and media freedom is critical for socio-economic stability and prosperity,” he added.
