Story by Mercy Bofu
JOURNALISTS have been reminded of the need to maintain professional standards as they cover the country’s general elections.
Journalists and politicians from Masvingo province engaged in a discussion on the safety and security of media personnel, with both parties agreeing that tolerance and professional standards must be maintained to ensure social cohesion.
“Today we were engaged in a discussion on the importance of ensuring the safety and security of journalists, with political parties. We are happy that they pledged to ensure journalists do their work in a peaceful environment,” said one of the journalists.
Another added, “During the discussion, issues around professionalism were also raised that as journalists we must professionally conduct ourselves, identify ourselves as we attend to political rallies.”
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) commended the prevailing peaceful environment, saying they have not received reports of journalists having been harassed since the beginning of the election period.
“As you are aware, we engaged with the police before we entered into the election period and we are happy to report that there has been no arrests or attack of Media members by the police, and we would also want political parties to emulate that through tolerance,” said Media Institute of Southern Africa Advocacy Officer, Mr Malvern Mukudu.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record calling for peace during the election period, at the same time challenging journalists to promote unity among citizens.
