The event was organised by the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and Zacras. “Media stakeholders should not mislead themselves that we are now friends with the powers that be. It would be a mistake to believe that we are dealing with a new Jonathan Moyo, as the leopard does not change its spots because of the weather,” said Mambipiri, pointing out that Moyo and people at the Media Commission could not be regarded as friends of a free media.
He accused Moyo of not using his influential position in government to overturn the march ban and questioned his supposed ‘efforts to free the media’. He said Moyo pretended to be on the side of a free media, but on the other hand was serving the interests of some institutions bent on destroying a vibrant media.
Mambipiri told journalists at a media briefing that the constitution needed more provisions to provide for free media. “Moyo was a no-show despite our programme clearly indicating that he was supposed to give a speech. This was a calculated move to ensure that journalists and other stakeholders did not gather to share experiences and interrogate the media space,” said a visibly upset Mambipiri.
Mambipiri said it was not yet ‘Uhuru’ for journalists in Zimbabwe because of government’s lack of appetite to reform draconian media laws. Police in full riot gear were deployed to disperse the marchers as the commemorations had been outlawed only on the morning of the peaceful march and minutes before it was scheduled to proceed.
This was despite police having authorised the procession after organisers had paid $253 for the police and another $25 as insurance.
Though The Zimbabwean could not reach Moyo for his reaction to Mambipiri’s accusations, the minister later condemned the police ban.
In a statement, Moyo said the cancellation at the 11th hour was unfortunate, as the police had initially sanctioned the national commemoration which was an annual event marked under the auspices of the United Nations.
Analysts described Moyo as a shrewd thinker who would fool the naïve into believing that he is in favour of a free media. Zechariah Mushawatu said Moyo realised the march by media personnel would be harmless to government, hence his ‘sympathy’ with journalists and other stakeholders banned from marching.
“Moyo would appear as if he is on the side of the media, but would behave otherwise should the government become threatened by intentions of those planning peaceful marches,” said Mushawatu.
Post published in: News