Dongozi made the remarks during a roundtable discussion on the working environment for journalists which was held today in the capital.
Dongozi bemoaned that Zimbabwe’s current media landscape was heavily polarized hence the need to ensure journalists are protected in the course of doing their duties in the forthcoming polls.
He said ZUJ will submit requests for journalists to be given preferential treatment at their voting centers before they are deployed for duty.
“We will be approaching ZEC to find out if we are able to get journalists to vote first because they will be deployed to various places during the election period so we would like them to cast their votes before going for duty.
“Also we will try to find ways that will ensure the journalists are protected from any harm or danger in conducting their work,” said Dongozi.
Speaking at the same function, Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe Deputy Coordinator for Research and Mentoring, Edson Madondo said the working environment for Zimbabwean journalists ahead of elections is a cause for concern.
“As MMPZ, we are worried about the working environment for journalists going into elections. We have been advocating for reforms but they are not yet there. So we are worried that the current environment for journalists does not guarantee free and fair elections.
“Some parties have even vowed not to support the media reforms and this is a huge cause for concern to us,” said Msadondo.
The Executive Director of the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe, Takura Zhangazha said Zimbabwe’s Government of National Unity had failed to create a conducive working environment for journalists.
“One important dimension in assessing the safety of journalists is the legal framework and when you look at the track record of the Inclusive Government, you will find that there has not been major policy changes in terms of the legal framework.
“Even the new constitution does not change the fundamental tenents of how the media is regulated in Zimbabwe” said Zhangazha.
ENDS//
Post published in: News