BRIDGET MABANDA
HARARE: Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) chief executive officer, Engineer Edington Mazambani has said media engagement indabas play a significant role as they provide the authority an opportunity to understand the journalism landscape.
Speaking to journalists at a media workshop recently, Mazambani said his organisation recognizes the vital role that the media plays.
“Media shapes public opinion, disseminates information and hold organisations such as ZERA accountable, therefore it is crucial for us to foster a strong relationship with media and work collaboratively towards shared goals,” he said.
During the course of the workshop, ZERA provided valuable insights, tools and an interactive session that enhanced understanding of the authority’s mandate, objectives, key initiatives and energy trends.
Mazambani urged journalists to frequently visit their website as they share more information on that platform.
He added that media engagement also help ZERA to improve in the way they operate as they are interactive discussions and engagements that help in information dissemination.
“It is only through your active participation that we are able to effectively enhance your understanding of different facets of our sectors. It is because of a fruitful dialogue between the media and ZERA that will lead to mutual growth and success,” said Mazambani.
Mazambani said that workshops serve as catalyst for building lasting relationships between ZERA and the media thereby promoting responsible journalism.
ZERA is a statutory corporate body established in terms of the Energy Regulatory Authority Act [Chapter 13:23] of 2011.
The Act mandates ZERA to regulate the procurement, production, transportation, transmission, distribution, importation and exportation of energy derived from any energy source.
ZERA is also responsible for licensing of all electricity and petroleum companies as provided for in the Energy Regulatory Authority Act [Chapter 13:23] of 2011 read together with the Electricity Act No. 4 of 2002 [Chapter 13:19], the Petroleum Act [Chapter 13:22] of 2006 and subsequent amendments.
