HARARE - Some Zimbabwean journalists, especially from the state controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings and Zimpapers have castigated minister for media, information and publicity, Webster Shamu They accused Shamu, who is also the Zanu (PF) political commissar of only showing concern when musicians die and not reacting when journalists die. Shamu is the patron of the Zimbabwe Union of Musicians. The journalists were particularly annoyed by Shamus inaction following the death of senior journalist at The Herald, Chakanetsa Chidyamatiyo in a horrific car accident in Macheke.
Senior Herald photographer, who was in the same vehicle died several days later while in hospital after succumbing to injuries sustained in the accident. Said one journalist at ZBH: As journalists working for state controlled media, we expect our minister to take an active interest in our welfare but he seems more interested in addressing issues affecting musicians only. We understand that as a former disc jockey, he may have more in common with musicians than journalists but that is no excuse for him to neglect journalists.
Another journalist at Zimpapers called on Shamu to address working conditions of journalists at the publishing group. We would be very happy if our minister took an active interest in our welfare. However, he is more interested in affairs of musicians and that is very unfortunate. Workers at ZBH told The Zimbabwean on Sunday that they did not have adequate transport to conduct their work and had to drive to different assignments while packed in rundown vehicles. They called on him to take an active interest in their welfare.
Post published in: News