Authorities in Zimbabwe have reportedly ordered the state-run media to place a “blackout” on news about the on-going country-wide strike by civil servants. According to MISA-Zimbabwe, it has noted distorted coverage in the official print media while there has been “a total blackout” on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s (ZBC) radio and television arms. (Civil servants […]
Authorities in Zimbabwe have reportedly ordered the state-run
media to place a “blackout” on news about the on-going
country-wide strike by civil servants. According to
MISA-Zimbabwe, it has noted distorted coverage in the official
print media while there has been “a total blackout” on the
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s (ZBC) radio and television
arms. (Civil servants in Zimbabwe went on strike on 21 August
demanding a sixty per cent pay raise; however, the government has
offered a minimum eight and a maximum 15 per cent raise.)
Additionally, the government threatened to dismiss the entire
180, 000 workforce if the strikers failed to go back to work by
23 August. In spite of the threat, the strikers have so far not
complied.
Editor-in-chief of the weekly “Zimbabwe Independent”, Trevor
Ncube, said that he had been told of a circular going around the
offices of ZBC as well as the Zimpapers Group — which has a near
monopoly over the country’s newspapers — prohibiting journalists
from covering the strike. “Apparently they have been told not to
report on anything that is happening except announcing government
statements,” Ncube said.
However, ZBC’s Head of Television News, Douglas Dhiwayo, said
that he was not aware of the instructions, but added: “If there
is, it’s unfortunate.” Dhiwayo went on to say that since the
strike started, reporters have been covering it in all areas
affected. ZBC Acting Director of Programmes, Munyaradzi
Matchatcha, said he was not aware of the circular, but stated:
“We are aware of strikers’ complaints saying that we have not
given them enough publicity. The government has also complained
that ZBC is giving too much publicity to the strike while
ignoring better issues.” Matchatcha added that he would produce
scripts and video footage of the strike. “You can’t please
everyone but I am satisfied our reporters have given coverage to
the strike,” he said. Matchatcha stated that ZBC has even given
time on air for unions to advertise their messages urging members
to return to work. But said he: “You expect government
information officers at ZBC to serve the interest of their
employers, which is the government.” He would not name
information officers who had shown resistance to a fair coverage
of the strike.
Tommy Sithole of the Zimpapers Group took exception to the
allegations. “I am not stupid and I am not a fool….Only stupid
editors give such orders, and…I am not answerable to you.”
