Story by Oleen Ndori
BOARD Members of parastatals under the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services have signed integrity pledges meant to enhance corporate governance in the media sector.
The ceremony held at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) in Highlands, Harare was presided over by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson (ZACC), Mr Michael Reza.
“The Integrity Pledge we sign today is a critical component of our broader corruption prevention strategy. It is a clarion call that corruption will not be tolerated. Your institutions are not just conveyors of information; you are key pillars of our democracy. Your commitment to integrity is essential in creating a corruption-resistant media environment dedicated to promoting ethics. This pledge is a testament to your desire to contribute to a better and more transparent Zimbabwe.
“The fight against corruption requires a collective effort from every sector; government, civil society, the private sector, and institutions like the media as well. The media’s potential to expose corruption and promote accountability is vital to ensure all sectors adhere to integrity and transparency. Your incredible capacity in exposing corruption and holding public officials accountable strengthens our national institutions and restores public faith,” noted Mr Reza.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere highlighted the benefits of the integrity pledge.
He said, “The signing of an integrity pledge is not only a good thing, but it is also part of the process that we should start to put in place structures within the parastatals that you preside over so that we are in a position to deal with this challenge. As governments, we put in place e-government systems, the full digitalisation of the economy, to reduce human interference within the government structures and also to improve and serve the community. For us to achieve Vision 2030, for us to be able to leave no one in no place behind, it is our responsibility, privately and primarily as citizens, to be good citizens and to practice good ethical conduct.”
Board chairs of parastatals that include ZBC, Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust, Transmedia, ZIFTESSA and the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe are convinced that the commitment will further drive development of the media sector.
The integrity pledges introduced by the Second Republic are also expected to improve operations of parastatals as the government seeks to develop and grow Zimbabwe’s media sector in line with the National Development Strategy One.
