Story by Vivian Bangamu
HARARE – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa officially launched the Zimbabwe Media Policy, a landmark framework aimed at guiding the country’s media industry through the evolving global information landscape, while promoting the dissemination of factual and patriotic content that reflects Zimbabwe’s values and development aspirations.
Speaking at the launch held at State House in Harare this Wednesday, the President said the policy is a timely response to technological advances and the rapid transformation of both the local and global media ecosystems.
“I am honoured to officiate at this occasion marking the launch of the Zimbabwe Media Policy. The policy comes at a time when the media sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation due to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
“Artificial Intelligence has reshaped information gathering, analysis, production, and dissemination. This and other related innovations in science and technology have collectively increased the speed, interactivity and reach of journalism, while also presenting new opportunities and challenges.”
The President emphasised that the media must play a pivotal role in nation building by telling the authentic Zimbabwean story, both at home and abroad, without fear or favour.
“Through this policy, my government is guaranteeing citizens access to factual, verified, and reliable information. The philosophy ‘Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatirwa nevene vayo’ demands that we deploy information within the context of our unique and rich history and culture. I challenge the media fraternity to scale up our ongoing quest to shape a positive image about our motherland Zimbabwe. Under my leadership the media will continue to be our cornerstone for promoting unity peace harmony and love for our country,” he added.
The new policy addresses key areas such as market dominance, data privacy, user rights, and protection against exploitative practices, ensuring a fair and inclusive media environment.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted the strategic role of both public and private media in achieving Vision 2030, Zimbabwe’s national development blueprint.
“My government regards both the public and private media as strategic cogs in advancing our national aspirations. As media informs and influences socio-economic development, it must be vigilant and responsible,” he said.
He challenged media practitioners to move away from divisive narratives and instead promote peace, unity, and patriotism.
“The past trend where media practitioners competed to demonise our country has no place in the Zimbabwe we fought for. We must write to show that we are ourselves, not to please those who are not us. Content that harms our citizens and country has no place in our Constitution,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President further noted the influence of Artificial Intelligence on journalism, recognising the opportunities it presents in enhancing content production and dissemination, while also cautioning against potential challenges.
“Through this policy, my Government seeks to ensure protection against the significant ever looming threats to facts, ethics, diversity and cultural plurality by the global tech infrastructure. Hence our regulatory efforts, content and platform accountability, as well as support for Zimbabwe’s independent content ecosystem, will be enhanced,” President Mnangagwa said.
As the media policy comes into effect, stakeholders are expected to align with the principles of truthful reporting, ethical journalism, national unity, and development-centric communication.
