Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in public service delivery by strengthening engagements with the media on governance issues.
Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day media engagement workshop organised by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) in Kadoma, Director of Media Services in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr George Chisoko, said Government will continue to uphold open governance practices.
“Our government remains firmly committed to promoting transparency and accountability across all levels of public service. Through regular post-cabinet briefings, we ensure that critical decisions and policy directions are communicated clearly to both the media and the public.
“These engagements not only provide updates on government priorities but also allow citizens to hold us accountable for the implementation of our policies. Additionally, we continue to strengthen our interactions with the media, recognizing their vital role in scrutinizing government actions and ensuring that information reaches every corner of the country,” he said.
The media engagement sought to promote factual and accurate reporting on the country’s public procurement ecosystem.
“At PRAZ, we recognize that effective media engagement is crucial for promoting transparency and accountability in the procurement sector. By regularly interacting with the media, we ensure that information about procurement processes, policy updates, and government initiatives reaches the public accurately and promptly.
“These engagements help demystify complex procurement procedures, build trust with citizens, and encourage responsible reporting. Ultimately, our goal is to foster an informed public and strengthen confidence in how government resources are managed,” Corporate Communications Manager, Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, Mr Mqhele Tshuma said.
The engagement comes at a time when the government is in the process of amending the Public Procurement Disposal of Public Assets Act after the introduction of the eGP system.
“The engagement with PRAZ was eye-opening. It clarified the procurement process and emphasized the importance of transparency. As journalists, we now have a better understanding of how to report responsibly and keep the public informed,” a journalist said.
“We appreciated the detailed explanations from PRAZ officials. The session strengthened our knowledge of procurement procedures and highlighted the role of the media in promoting accountability in government projects,” a participant said.
“This interaction has equipped us with practical insights into procurement systems. It not only enhanced our reporting skills but also reinforced the importance of ensuring accurate information reaches the public,” another reporter said.
The engagement is part of the government’s collaborative approach aimed at promoting informed public discourse on procurement matters, ultimately contributing to a more accountable and corruption-free environment.
