Personally, I see nothing wrong with journalists calling a spade, a spade. For instance, l always argue that the liberation struggle resulted only in a change of the administration, not the system itself.
If there is reform from above – leaders banning corruption, transparency in diamond mining in Chiadzwa and government departments, fair and equitable distribution of national resources, without colour, creed or political affiliation – then, rest assured, the professor-cum-minister won’t need to foist his “national interest” agenda upon the scribes. As a matter of fact, true, objective and professional journalists abide by the ethical dictates of the craft. As such, they don’t manufacture news in newsrooms. Like a mirror, they reflect what goes on, on the ground. It’s only those who pander to the whims and caprices of the master who seek to turn, twist and distort facts.
It’s not enough for Jonathan Moyo to just point out that the days of criminal defamation are numbered. What about the notorious AIIPA and the draconian POSA? If he is genuine in his call for the national interest agenda, surely he, as the chief architect of these rapacious, capricious and extortionate pieces of legislation, should own up to his past misdeeds and scrap those pieces of legislation. Only then, can we take him seriously.
Finally, issues like patriotism and national interest have become relative due to political polarisation. Therefore, leaders and politicians should mend their ways and do the right thing. That’s where all the national interest discourse is centred. They cannot make false promises, indulge in corruption and plunder national resources and expect praise songs from serious, committed and professional scribes. – Tich, by email
Post published in: Letters to the Editor