It seems Zimbabweans have been led to believe that when they are suffering they should hide, as though it is some sort of embarrassment to be abused. They are also sadly against the media. Â
Poor Zimbabweans believe that journalists pay people for stories, or that they are paid large sums of money for stories or the pictures they take. These beliefs result in the press being chased away and in stories being hidden.
Mugabe has convinced even the MDC supporters that journalists earn a fortune for their work, resulting in them demanding money for interviews or pictures.
Zimbabwe’s media laws have largely controlled press freedom, but this is only a part of it. I believe threatening anyone who comes out in any form of media has created a fear factor, but it is through encouraging the constant harassment of any journalists that they have almost completely controlled the media. Â
This is apparent in South Africa where Zimbabweans are still scaring journalists away. Through this trick (this idea that you must be paid) Zimbabweans throw away much needed help.
Even I have been victim of the media card, having been accused many times of earning thousands of US dollars for interviews I have done, columns I have written and for pictures journalists have taken. Disturbingly, those I represent have often not been able to defend me. They don’t know how it really works.
Let me explain to all Zimbabweans: I have never been paid for any interview I have given, for any photos and I am not paid to write this column. The media is something we need to expose the situation and, if we scare it away, then Zimbabweans and their problems will be ignored.
Newspapers, radio, television and the internet can pressure politicians, can expose corruption, expose police brutality and can help us. The media owe us nothing – we need them. If you want something in the South African newspapers, just phone the papers. If you think they pay, find out. It is also incorrect that journalists are paid vast sums of money for writing stories about poor people. Poor people are not celebrities.
I also want to say that the Mugabe regime is weaker than people think. I have not been attacked and I have my photo, my name, phone number and my column in an ‘opposition’ newspaper.
I hope this article helps Zimbabweans help themselves. We need the attention when we are in need. Let’s not oppress ourselves.
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