Jonathan Moyo, the information minister, in 2014 composed the panel, chaired by comprising state and independent media editors as well as publishers’ representatives and artists.
The IMPI objectives included gathering information and views on the media operating environment, state of ethics in the profession and journalism training.
IMPI completed its report, which is more than 400 pages and contains 30 pages of recommendations, early this year and on February 27 presented it to the ministry as a requirement.
A recent communiqué from the ministry to IMPI stated that a formal handover reception of the document would be held “in due course” and a way forward advised.
Geoff Nyarota, the IMPI chairperson, acknowledged that they were waiting for the ministry to indicate when it would be ready for the reception.
“We handed the report to the ministry some two weeks ago and we wait to hear from them. I will advise you of developments as they come,” said Nyarota.
The IMPI fact finding initiative has courted controversy from the time of its establishment, with some journalists and critics accusing Moyo of using it to advance his own political ambitions by currying favour with the media.
They also accused the minister of lack of transparency in the choice of the editors, saying some of them were partisanly chosen.
Some members of the ruling Zanu (PF) where Moyo belongs last year attempted to derail IMPI outreach programmes, which were also rapped for extravagance.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that the ministry had diverted some cars that were meant for the outreach programme.
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), a statutory body whose mandate is to regulate the media, refused to give oral evidence to IMPI, arguing that the panel was duplicating its duties and must be nullified.
Post published in: News