The MDC, under Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, publishes two newsletters, The Changing Times, for the party, as well as The Prime Ministers Newsletter, which highlights the partys position and developments in the inclusive government. The two publications have proved extremely popular with the general public. But, not to be outdone, Zanu (PF) has so far published two issues of the two new publications following the closure of the party newspaper, The Voice, which collapsed due to its unpopularity. The Voice also churned out party propaganda.
Radio VOP recently witnessed the two tabloids – which have the same colours and masthead as those of the MDC-T – being distributed by Zanu (PF) youth, free of charge, to information-starved villagers in Domborembavha and Munyaradzi communal areas in Gutu. The Insider had a lead story titled, MDC paying lip service to corruption. The story alleges that the anti-corruption drive in the party is targeting small fish, amid allegations that Tendai Biti, who is the party secretary general and Finance Minister in the inclusive government, is involved in a $13 million scam. Quoting un-named sources, the paper alleges Biti bought Tsoko lodge in Nyanga using misappropriated funds from donors which he held in the absence of MDC-T treasurer general, Roy Bennett.
The Zimbabwe Today carried long columns from well known Zanu (PF) apologists, Reason Wafawarova and Tafataona Mahoso, denouncing the West over so-called sanctions. The Zimbabwe Today’s motto, What the man on the streets needs to know about Zimbabwe, is starkly contradicted by it contents. Many articles include difficult words that would need the reader, the ordinary man in the street, to constantly consult the dictionary.Political analyst Takavafira Zhou said he got wind of the two newsletters being circulated in Masvingo, but rubbished them as a desperate attempt by a desperate party.They are trying in vain to discredit the MDC-T, despite having control of Zimpapers and The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH). But I know the people will no longer swallow their propaganda,” Zhou said.