The First lady launched a scathing attack on independent media scribes at Marondera’s Rudhaka Stadium on October 17during the last leg of her whirlwind thank you rallies across the country after being nominated as the secretary designate in the Zanu (PF) Women’s League.
She accused the journalists of muddying her and receiving bribes from unnamed politicians to tarnish her image.
“The Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (Zinef) notes with concern …sentiments by the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, at one of her recent rallies held in Marondera last week where she queried the conduct of journalists and singled out some media houses as behaving in an unprofessional manner,” said Zinef chair, Brian Mangwende in a statement.
He added: “While we acknowledge her views, she must in the same breath realise that it is inherent in journalists to interpret statements, gestures and the conduct of public figures as long as they remain factual, ethical and professional and in the public interest.”
He said singling out journalists and media organisations at public gatherings endangered their safety “especially in a volatile environment such as the one currently obtaining in Zimbabwe where intra- and inter-party turmoil is rife”.
“We, therefore, urge politicians to encourage their supporters to remain calm and peaceful in these challenging times and not expose journalists or anybody else for that matter to potential danger when fighting for political turf,” said Mangwende.
He said politicians must be clear in their statements to avoid wrong interpretations. He added that Zinef was against the manipulation of journalists and urged scribes not to succumb to political pressure.
Grace has courted controversy for her trademark emotional statements against political rivals in Zanu (PF), the opposition and the media during her countrywide tours, resulting in critics urging President Robert Mugabe to rein her in.
She is widely believed to be handled by a Zanu (PF) faction led by Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Justice minister.
Post published in: News