IMPORTANCE OF MEDIA ETHICS IN JOURNALISM PROFESSION

Media ethics is the broad term describing the proper modes of behavior to which all branches of the modern media should attempt to adhere. The branches of the media that try to live up to ethical standards include television, print communications, and the Internet. Different issues arise depending upon the branch of the media in question, issues made more complicated by burgeoning technology. Many of the complications in media ethics arise from the conflict of ethical standards and the media companies' desire to make money.

It's difficult to simplify media ethics, because the issues that stem from different media can be contradictory in nature. What makes sense and seems fine for one branch of the media might cross ethical lines if applied by another. In addition, technological advances have actually created far more ethical dilemmas for media outlets than they have eliminated. All media companies and creators must walk an increasingly fine line to serve the public and stay morally sound.

In addition to the legal rights and obligations set forth in the relevant legal norms, the media have an ethical responsibility towards citizens and society which must be underlined at the present time, when information and communication play a very important role in the formation of citizens' personal attitudes and the development of society and democratic life. The journalist's profession comprises rights and obligations, freedoms and responsibilities. The basic principle of any ethical consideration of journalism is that a clear distinction must be drawn between news and opinions, making it impossible to confuse them. News is information about facts and data, while opinions convey thoughts, ideas, beliefs or value judgments on the part of media companies, publishers or journalists.

News broadcasting should be based on truthfulness, ensured by the appropriate means of verification and proof, and impartiality in presentation, description and narration. Rumour must not be confused with news. News headlines and summaries must reflect as closely as possible the substance of the facts and data presented. Expression of opinions may entail thoughts or comments on general ideas or remarks on news relating to actual events. Although opinions are necessarily subjective and therefore cannot and should not be made subject to the criterion of truthfulness, we must ensure that opinions are expressed honestly and ethically. Opinions taking the form of comments on events or actions relating to individuals or institutions should not attempt to deny or conceal the reality of the facts or data. The media's work is one of "mediation", providing an information service, and the rights which they own in connection with freedom of information depends on its addressees, that is the citizens.

Information is a fundamental right and a human right the owner of the right is the citizen, who also has the related right to demand that the information supplied by journalists be conveyed truthfully, in the case of news, and honestly, in the case of opinions, without outside interference by either the public authorities or the private sector.

The public authorities must not consider that they own information. The representativeness of such authorities provides the legal basis for efforts to guarantee and extend pluralism in the media and to ensure that the necessary conditions are created for exercising freedom of expression and the right to information and precluding censorship. When dealing with journalism it must be borne in mind that it relies on the media, which are part of a corporate structure within which a distinction must be made between publishers, proprietors and journalists. To that end, in addition to safeguarding the freedom of the media, freedom within the media must also be protected and internal pressures guarded against. News organisations must consider themselves as special socio-economic agencies whose entrepreneurial objectives have to be limited by the conditions for providing access to a fundamental right.

News organisations must show transparency in matters of media ownership and management, enabling citizens to ascertain clearly the identity of proprietors and the extent of their economic interest in the media. Inside the news organisation, publishers and journalists must co-exist, bearing in mind that the legitimate respect for publishers' and owners' ideological orientations is limited by the absolute requirements on truthful news reporting and ethical opinions. This is essential if we are to respect the citizens' fundamental right to information.

These requirements are such that we must reinforce the safeguards of the journalist's freedom of expression, for they must in the last instance operate as the ultimate sources of information. In this connection we must legally expand and clarify the nature of the conscience clause and professional secrecy vis-à-vis confidential sources, harmonising national provisions on this matter so that they can be implemented in the wider context of democratic Europe. Neither publishers and proprietors nor journalists should consider that they own the news. News organisations must treat information not as a commodity but as a fundamental right of the citizen. To that end, the media should exploit neither the quality nor the substance of the news or opinions for purposes of boosting readership or audience figures in order to increase advertising revenue. If we are to ensure that information is treated ethically, its target audience must be considered as individuals and not as a mass.

CHALLENGES OF NEW MEDIA ON BASIC JOURNALISTIC VALUES

 Journalist's first obligation is to tell the truth. Its first loyalty is to the citizens. Its essence is discipline of verification. Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover. Journalism must serve as an independent monitor of power. It must provide a forum for public criticism and debate. It must strive to make the news significant, interesting, and relevant. It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional. Trust and credibility are the foundations of journalism, and the integrity of the journalist is its cornerstone. However, with the emergence and deployment of new media, the journalism profession has faced many challenges. These include lack of objectivity, credibility, emergence of vendetta and citizen journalism, lack of accountability due to the use if pseudonyms and lack of originality through plagiarism of news stories. Fabrication of information has also become very common. 

Chari (2009), notes that the internet has transformed the practices of journalism worldwide. The manner in which news is gathered and disseminated has changed drastically. Journalists no longer adhere to the journalistic ethics and values they are supposed to follow. Gordon & Kittros (1999) define media ethics as a ‘field that deals with nearly an endless array of gray areas where issues and appropriate courses of action are not clearly demarcated. Although the emergence of new media has improved journalism in a number of ways, they have been the root of all unethical reporting. One should support Lasica (1997)’s argument that technology does not make ethics old fashioned hence, they should be followed.

New media has resulted in lack of objectivity that is the dissemination of unverified facts to the public. This has resulted in the public being given false information or stories with little truth. Fabrication has increased since the introduction of new media in Zimbabwe. Chari (2009) argues that the eye of the reporter is now fixed on scooping, rather than ensuring that facts are correct. This clearly shows that ICTs have brought unethical values into play and basic journalistic values have been eroded. Lack of objectivity online can also be linked to ownership structures. Online media still adheres to the owner or investor’s interests. For example, zimpapers online is biased towards the ruling party, ZANU-PF, like its print media. The stories published online, lack objectivity- they are one sided (unbalanced) and polarised.

Bradley (2001) argues that most of the stories online lack credibility is because of the obsession of speed. Most journalists or online papers want to be the first ones to update news or events. News updates are often posted as they happen, which allows early access to information at the expense of the accuracy of the content, Arrant (2000). They take less time checking their stories, thereby undermining journalism. There is need to follow ethical guidelines in new media.

The internet in Zimbabwe is now practising vendetta journalism. Kasoma (1996:99) defines it as journalism that is filled with hatred and dislike against certain people. Abusive language is used, there is selective use of facts that paint a bad picture and the person attacked is not approached for comment. This kind of journalism has effects on the personal life of an individual and that is, defamation of character, financial and social ruin.

Anonymity is accepted more readily online than in mainstream news media. Codes of mainstream media ethics caution journalists to use anonymous sources sparingly. The codes warn journalists that people may use anonymity to take unfair or untrue “photo shots” at other people, for self-interest reasons, John (2012). Anonymity is praised as allowing freedom of speech and sometimes helping to expose wrong doing. However, it is a challenge to basic journalistic values in that it encourages irresponsible and harmful comments. The use of pseudonyms has also been a major challenge brought by the new media. The use of anonymity on its own is not a challenge since citizens would want to discuss sensitive issues without being identified. It has become a challenge in that news stories now lack accountability. Journalists are now not accountable to the public as the hide behind fake identities. Pseudonyms have also brought fabrication as a challenge where media practitioners cook up new stories and disseminate them to the public.

Lack of originality has risen due to plagiarism of information. Information gotten from other articles whether online or print has not been clearly or properly attributed. Media practitioners now take other people’s work and write it as their own without acknowledging the source of that information. Therefore, this plagiarism has caused lack of originality in news stories. Creativity and uniqueness of news stories has been killed as the information which is being disseminated is plagiarised from the internet or print.

ICTs have caused a number of ethical and professional journalism dilemmas on journalism profession. There has been lack of objectivity and credibility in online publications. Journalists have also had an obsession of wanting to be the first to disseminate information without checking the facts. From this, one can clearly see that some of the old ethical challenges are being enforced by the new media. Vendetta journalism also emerged after the introduction of ICTs in Zimbabwe also the use of pseudonyms has become a huge challenge on basic journalistic values.

PROF MOYO CONDEMNS ARREST OF JOURNALISTS

The Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minster, Jonathan Moyo conemned the arrest of journalist as he said that criminal defamation laws breached the new Constitution. Moyo said this following the arrest of Dailynews Editor Stanley Gama and reporter Fungisai Kwaramba. These two were picked up by the police for questioning in relation to a story published in January about businessman Mr Kamal Khalfan accusing him of shady dealings and being a homosexual. Gama and Kwaramba were questioned at Highlands Police Station after Mr Khalfan made a criminal defamation report against them.

Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo said the arrest was unnecessary and individuals should not pursue “personal matters” through the police. Prof Moyo is on record saying criminal defamation laws breached the new Constitution. Chapter 9:23 of Section 96 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act is due to be repealed as it has been found to be contrary to the Constitution. Prof Moyo said his ministry reviewed the constitutionality of criminal defamation in terms the new Constitution and concluded there was no legal basis for retaining a law that was against progressive values rooted in the liberation struggle.

“To be honest with you, I hope the reports in question are not true because the reported action is not necessary at all and risks entangling the police in personal matters that are best left to the offended individuals to pursue in the courts through their own resources and on their own through civil litigation,” he said.

“As such, we believe we need to align the Criminal Law Code with the Constitution by removing criminal defamation from our statutes. Our ministry recently deployed an Information and Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI), which is fighting criminal defamation among other enemies of our national development and advancement as an empowered society.”

Prof Moyo said there was “something medieval” about sending anyone to jail on the grounds that they had lied. “While our much-respected police should indeed be left alone to get on with their work without hindrance, it cannot be right that their otherwise excellent work should include investigating whether so-and-so in the media has told a defamatory lie against so-and-so among the rich or influential in high society,” he said.

“It is worse when the matter is elevated to prosecution, as if we are not aware of the case backlog that is crippling our criminal justice system. And let’s face it, there’s something medieval about sending anyone to jail on grounds that they have told a lie.

“That is why criminal defamation or libel is no longer in the statute books of constitutional democracies such as ours.”

Sources close to investigations said the matter was in relation to a story published in the Daily News in January 2014, which said Mr Khalfan was in a bitter contest with his Omani compatriot Mr Thamer Al Shanfari over a German investor.

The paper reported that a series of e-mails between Mr Khalfan and Mr Dietrich Herzog revealed money laundering and accusations of gay activities. The report dragged in the names of top Government officials. Last month, Mr Khalfan sued the Daily News for US$10 million over some of the stories, with the newspaper responding by filing an appearance to defend.

Mr Khalfan said the Daily News had damaged his reputation by publishing the articles without giving him the right to respond.
According to a report by the Herald online, Gama and Kwaramba were questioned at Highlands Police Station after Mr Khalfan made a criminal defamation report against them. National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi could not divulge further details. “We confirm that Stanley Gama and Fungisai Kwaramba were picked up by police in connection with criminal defamation allegations,” he said. “We have interviewed them and released them in connection with the ongoing investigations.”

PRESIDENT MUGABE BOYCOT EU/AU SUMMIT.

President Robert Mugabe’s boycott of the EU/AU summit have been described as "insignificant" as most African leaders apparently ignored his call to snub the gathering. It is claimed that Mugabe overestimated his continental influence when he boycotted the 4th EU/AU summit hoping that other African countries would follow suit.

A foreign ministry official said the Zimbabwe leader, 90, would not be attending a mammoth EU-Africa summit in Brussels next week due to a 'disagreement on the composition of our delegation'. Mugabe and his wife Grace, 48, remain targeted by an Europe-wide travel ban but the restriction can be suspended temporarily to allow the head of state to attend international forums.

The Mail Online reported that Zimbabwe had earlier urged the African Union as a whole to boycott the summit after the EU refused to lift a ban on Grace Mugabe joining her husband's delegation. Mrs Mugabe is famous for the shopping trips to Europe she would make before being placed under sanctions, and is often referred to as the First Shopper, rather than First Lady, at home in Zimbabwe. Sources said the ageing Zimbabwean leader cannot travel far without his wife who administers jabs of medication drugs.

The summit which is held at Brussels, Belgium brings together African and European leaders and is running under the theme "Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace". It is aimed at discussing issues of women and youth, education, legal and illegal migrant flows between continents and ways to stimulate growth and job creation among other things. It will bring together representatives of 90 nations from both continents, including 65 heads of state and government.

SW Radio Africa said that Mugabe refused to travel to Brussels for the summit, in an apparent protest against the refusal by the EU to allow his wife Grace to accompany him. The EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Aldo Dell’Ariccia, last week said the bloc had not given a visa to Grace because there was no program for wives of presidents and there was no need for her to attend.

Only South African President Jacob Zuma appeared to go along with Mugabe in boycotting the summit, but his government was quick to point out that he was not attending because of other commitments.

Elliot Pfebve, the newly appointed MDC-T chief representative to the EU, said most delegates thought Mugabe’s decision to boycott was based on ‘emotion and concerns for his family rather than what is best for Zimbabwe.’

Pfebve, who was in Brussels attending a two day EU/AU business forum at the beginning of this week, said that Zimbabwe could have benefited substantially, due to the presence of high level investors.

The business forum was attended by leading business personalities across the globe, diplomats, chief executives of multi-nationals, former Presidents of various countries in Africa as well as current leaders on the continent.

Dr Manyeruke a ZANU PF loyalist said the continent should unite and review its relationship with Europe and consider partnering with other regions which consider Africa as an equal partner.

Some analysts also loyal to Robert Mugabe said lack of unity towards the EU-Africa partnership is a reflection that Africa is still a divided continent as it was in colonial times.

They said despite the beautiful resolutions and policies that they adopt, these are never implemented as the African leaders bow down to the tactics of divide and rule by Europe and the United States.

Another analyst and historian, Edward Tome loyal to the ageing tyrant said African leaders attending the summit are doing it to please big brother, Europe.

Robert Mugabe is on record saying the current crop of African leaders leaves a lot to be desired, unlike the founding fathers who include Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, just to mention a few.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF party has applauded President Robert Mugabe for taking a courageous, firm and principled stance of boycotting the EU-Africa Summit.

In a statement, the party said the EU approach of determining the delegation of African countries to the summit was not only in breach of international law, it all went against a binding and existing agreement between the EU and Africa to recognise all parties as equals.

“We see President Mugabe’s stance immensely commendable and consistent with his virtues of self determination, independence and sovereignty,” read the statement.

 Mugabe, President Jacob Zuma of South African and President Yahya Jammeh of the Gambia are not attending the EU-Africa Summit.

“We wish equally to applaud South African President Jacob Zuma for taking a principled position in solidarity with President Mugabe and we wish to take this opportunity to urge all those African countries with a clear grasp of history to emulate these heroic deeds,” the statement read.

The party said any attempt at perpetuating western domination will be resisted by the continent and Zimbabwe.

PRESIDENT MUGABE TOURS FORMER GOVERNOR GONO'S FARM

President Mugabe’s unannounced visit to Dr. Gideon Gono’s farm, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has set tongues wagging. Speculations increased last week that President Mugabe has been grooming Gono for the cabinet post and the presidency. In a report by Nehanda Radio it said that the 90 year old Zanu PF leader commended Gono for the massive project underway at his, farm and narrated how he started a similar but much smaller project at his rural home in Zvimba a few years ago. 

Mugabe’s unannounced tour to Gono’s chicken farm last week was full of praise. President Mugabe said: “I started doing some chickens at home and I thought I was doing quite a big project, some 3 000-4 000 (birds).” But President Mugabe said Dr Gono’s project dwarfed his with the former central bank boss planning to grow it even larger. Dr Gono produces both birds and eggs and the business seeks to cater for both local and foreign markets, thus netting the country hard currency. He is also a cattle rancher of note.

President Mugabe tours former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono’s chicken project at New Donnington Farm in Norton, Nehanda Radio.

According to NehandaRadio article, Zimbabwe imported chickens from South Africa at the height of economic collapse as local producers failed to meet demand. The cheap imports were condemned by local poultry producers as they suffocated indigenous farmers who benefited under the Government’s land reform program me. Last year two suspicious fires within two months at the farm raised suspicion that Gono was being targeted due to fierce factional fighting within Zanu PF. Workers at the farm described the fire as having a yellow to a strong blue coloration at base level alleging that it was clearly not a normal fire. In January this year it was reported that Gono was allegedly failing to pay workers at the many companies he owns and that his business empire was struggling to keep afloat. Employees said they had not been paid, with some saying they were owed money dating back to more than a year ago.

Political analysts however, have said that Gono’s chances of landing the cabinet post and presidency were slim considering his lack of political clout and the complexion nature of Zanu PF’s succession matrix. NewsDay reported that there has been wide speculation that Gono was being groomed, but it intensified last Friday after Mugabe toured the former central bank governor’s New Donnington Farm in Norton. Mugabe for the first time in long time last week defended Gono’s credentials and right to ascend to higher political office despite blatant opposition from some within the Zanu PF and the government. The analyst said while Mugabe publicly endorsed Gono, the Zanu PF leader could not implement far reaching changes to the politburo and Cabinet before the party’s congress in December.


Comments from the University of Zimbabwe, political scientist Professor Eldred Masunungure said that the praises were only anecdotal that Mugabe has a special interest in Gono and that attempts by political rivals to put a wedge between the two  had failed. He said: " Mugabe is playing his cards close to his chest . The appointment to Cabinet is a long shot-maybe after the congress because Mugabe has been unhappy about the performance of some of his Ministers. However, Gono's chances of becoming a compromise candidate to take over from Mugabe were remote considering his lack of political shrewdness. Gono is not politically astute to navigate the crocodile infested waters in ZANU PF. I also do not see him succeeding Mugabe because he is to devisive a factor to take over especially that he is a leading player in one of the factions intending to succeed Mugabe.

Other Zanu Pf heavyweights touted as contenders in the succession race include Vice President Joice Mujuru, Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramai and the Minister of Media and Information Jonathan Moyo

GOVERNOR MANGUDYA'S PhD QUESTIONED.

It has emerged that the newly appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), John Mangudya attained his PhD in Business Administration from an unaccredited institution of higher learning, Washington International University (WIU).
According to information at hand, Mangudya is a holder of several qualifications that make him fit for the central bank position, but it is the PhD at WIU that has set tongues wagging. He also holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Economics degrees from the University of Zimbabwe. WIU is described by Wikipedia as: “An unaccredited institution of higher education founded in 1994 and currently incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. “It describes itself as a ‘university without borders’ serving clients from around the world via distance education.” The university’s website states that WIU’s graduates were from 112 countries.
Mangudya could not comment on the matter, saying he was in a meeting.
Asked to comment on Mangudya’s qualifications  and academic profile, Makoni said: ‘I don’t know what certificates he holds and neither do I know which universities he went to; all I know is that he is competent and professional.’ However, Makoni said that Mangudya’s job will not be easy because of the political and economic challenges which the country faces. He said: ‘The question is will he be allowed to operate according to his competence and qualification or he will be interfered with politically, which has been the problem for his predecessor.’ He added: ‘The many challenges which the economy faces will without any doubt make his job very difficult and stressful.’
Wikipedia said: “Lack of accreditation has consequences for WIU degree holders in some circumstances. For instance, the Michigan Civil Service Commission lists WIU among unaccredited institutions from which degrees will not be accepted to satisfy educational requirements indicated on job specifications.”
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) lists degrees awarded from WIU as “sub-standard” meaning according to the THECB in this case, a degree conferred outside the United States by an institution that the coordinating board determined was not the equivalent of an accredited or authorised degree. The THECB described WIU as having no accreditation from a CB (Coordinating Board) recognised accreditor. “There are no textbooks to read, curriculum to follow or formal exams to take.”

NEW GOVERNOR FOR THE RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE APPOINTED

President Robert Mugabe has appointed John Mangudya to head the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) at a time when the central bank's power and influence have greatly diminished.Mangudya replaces Gideon Gono who was also head of CBZ before assuming charge at the central bank in 2003. Gono stepped down from the RBZ last year, leaving his deputy Charity Dhliwayo running the apex bank as acting governor.This appointment was confirmed by Finance Minister, Patrick Chinamasa on Sunday.Zimbabwe ditched its local currency in 2009 in favour of the U.S. dollar, leaving the RBZ unable to set interest rates or bail out troubled banks.

Commenting on the appointment, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa told The Sunday Mail that he looked forward to Dr Mangudya’s contribution at the central bank. He said the new RBZ chief believes in “discretionary fiscal and monetary policies”. “His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, R. G. Mugabe, has appointed Dr John Panonetsa Mangudya Governor of the Reserve of Bank of Zimbabwe with effect from 1 May 2014 for a period of five years,” he said

A brief history on Dr. Mangudya given by Radio Voice Of People stated that “Dr Mangudya is a Keynesian economist who believes in discretionary fiscal and monetary policies and in the rational expectations hypothesis.” Dr Mangudya is an economist and former chief executive of one of the country’s best performing commercial banks. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Economics degrees from the University of Zimbabwe as well as a Doctorate in Business Administration from Washington International University. He began his career in 1986 as an economist with the Reserve Bank until 1996 when he joined the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as regional manager in charge of Southern Africa. He joined CBZ Bank Limited at the turn of the millennium as general manager (international banking). He rose through the ranks, becoming executive director (corporate and merchant banking) in 2004 and managing director in 2006 before his appointment as chief executive in 2009. Dr Mangudya is also former Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe president.In 2012, he became group chief executive officer of CBZ Holdings Limited. The group has grown and consolidated its position under his leadership, which advocated what has come to be known as the “One CBZ business model”. He is also the board chairman of the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe and the Agricultural Marketing Authority of Zimbabwe.

The former RBZ Governor, Dr Gideon Gono, said  "This appointment is a sure confidence booster to the financial markets and this economy in general. Mangudya is one man I know will be equal to the task and challenges ahead. He obviously will find both deputy governors Dr Charity Dhliwayo and Dr Kupukile Mlambo incredible pillars of support technically and experience wise, together with the dedicated team of professionals I left behind. I join all my predecessors in welcoming Dr Mangudya aboard the community of governors,” said Dr Gono. Dr. Gono welcomed Dr Mangudya whom he worked with to turn around the CBZ.

In a report given by Sw Radio Africa, Former finance minister Simba Makoni said he knows Mangudya at both a personal and professional level and he is confident that ‘he will measure up to the task.’ Makoni said: ‘I know he is competent and I know he does things on the straight and narrow.’ On Mangudya’s academic profile Makoni said: ‘I don’t know what certificates he holds and neither do I know which universities he went to; all I know is that he is competent and professional.’ However, Makoni said that Mangudya’s job will not be easy because of the political and economic challenges which the country faces. He said: ‘The question is will he be allowed to operate according to his competence and qualification or he will be interfered with politically, which has been the problem for his predecessor.’ He added: ‘The many challenges which the economy faces will without any doubt make his job very difficult and stressful.’

University of Zimbabwe economics lecturer Mr Innocent Makwiramiti welcomed the appointment. He said Dr Mangudya had the necessary exposure and experience to head the central bank. “I think considering his experience and exposure the good doctor has the requisite exposure and experience,” he said. “The man has managed to transform the CBZ to one of the best-performing banks in the country. I have no doubt in my mind that he will perform. Remember, CBZ used to handle Government funds before this function was transferred to the RBZ.” AAG founder Dr Philip Chiyangwa said Dr Mangudya’s track record of assisting black businesspeople is well documented and proves that he is the right candidate for the job as the country charts its economic destiny. “Some of us and many businesspeople out there who have worked closely with Dr Mangudya have so much confidence in him. His track record and experience as a shrewd banker speaks for itself. This is really a confidence booster and we are sure that he will take the central bank to greater heights, especially at this time when Zimbabwe is charting its economic destiny through ZimAsset,” said the businessman.

An economist, Mr Blessing Sakupwanya, said Dr Mangudya was an experienced financial services expert.
“The market was expecting his appointment. He has shown that he can adapt in any situation because the man is an experienced banker. No one matches his experience because Dr Mangudya has been involved in many sectors of the economy during his tenure at CBZ,” he said.

Tony Hawkins, who is an economist and RBZ board member, said the new governor will face a ‘restricted role’ because the country doesn’t have its own currency. Hawkins said while Mangudya is both experienced and ‘well trained’ the governor’s job is ‘seriously constrained by the dollar economy.’ He said ‘money supply is obviously out of the bank’s control.’

WILL MDC-T LAST?

Mixed feelings have been witnessed nationwide following instabilities in the MDC-T political party. The Movement for Democratic Change MDC-T led by Morgan Tsvangirai was formed in 1999 when they challenged Robert Mugabe’s ZANU PF, the party which was enjoying and still enjoys political power since independence in 1980. Therefore, it can be said that Morgan Tsvangirai is a brave man. He has continuously fought Robert Mugabe even though he has never the nation’s harmonized elections held since his party came into power. Tsvangirai’s party has fought head on and is still fighting up to today.  MDC-T gained popularity and is one of the powerful political parties in the country with many supporters who are crying for political change in Zimbabwe. MDC-T has managed to stay positive and continue to criticize the government and call for leadership change.

Opposition Leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.

However, following the internal fights within the MDC-T, citizens are kept at their toes to see whether the party will last till the next harmonized elections to be held in 2018. A rational citizen can argue that instead of the party to be reconstructing and re-strategise themselves, the party officials and those concerned are fighting each other to an extent of making their fights public through the social media. In an interview with the Southern Eye early this week, the National Spokesperson for the party, Douglas Mwonzora, confirmed that the party will monitor social media (facebook ) against their party members to ensure that internal party fights are not made public via social media. It is alleged that party members have been disseminating information about the party and that hate language against their colleagues dominated these messages sent out to the public. Mwonzora made a promise that all those who are found publicizing internal party affairs will be dealt with.  “We know there are a number of MDC people denigrating other officers, we will deal with them. There is no good reason for them to avoid due process of law. I am going to deal with anyone posting hate language against anyone and they will be brought to book,” Mwonzora warned.

The party fights are more serious and very controversial. Lately party officials were suspended and clashes were also seen when these suspensions were declared unconstitutional thereby null and void. Manicaland provincial chairperson Julius Magarangoma and spokesperson Pishai Muchauraya were suspended facing charges of offensive language against their party members. Harare provincial spokesperson Obert Gutu and Mashonaland West national representative Chalton Hwende are claimed to have been very active on Facebook and they have been posting hate speech against their leadership describing them as “puppets, puppeteers and rebels”. The two were allegedly angling themselves for top leadership positions in the opposition party and were believed to be close to party leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Nothing has been done to them at the moment but action will be taken as promised by Mwonzora.

There is also alleged rift between MDC-T Secretary-General Tendai Biti and Organising Secretary Nelson Chamisa. It is claimed that these two clashed over the suspension of Magarangoma and Muchauraya. Biti ordered the pair to ignore the suspension order issued by Chamisa describing it as unconstitutional. It is said that Senior MDC-T officials have met and resolved that Chamisa be charged for overstepping his mandate and fuelling divisions in the party. It is claimed that Chamisa is the biggest problem in the party and he is dividing the party all in the name of becoming the Secretary-General, but Chamisa has vehemently denied the claims that he wanted to become party secretary-general at the next congress.

Job Sikhala who has rejoined the MDC-T, last week addressed MDC-T supporters at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo said personal egos must be put aside and that his reunion with Tsvangirai was going to usher in a new democratic dispensation in the country. He said Mugabe and his party must be removed from power. Cries and complaints about massive rigging in the 2013 harmonised elections must be ignored and new measures must be taken in order to win the upcoming 2018 elections. A number of individuals who had broke away from MDC-T  in 2005 have rejoined the party and Job Sikhala is one of them. Meanwhile, Tsvangirai is expected to resolve the factional fights which have threatened to split the party. How successful will these measures be, and can people vote MDC-T into power? Credit must be given to Tsvangirai who is said met Tendai Biti to see the way forward not dwell on issues of lesser importance.

GUKURAHUNDI KILLINGS WILL FOREVER HAUNT ZIMBABWE:WILL THERE EVER BE PEACE BETWEEN THE SHONA AND THE NDEBELE.

Amongst all the painful incidents that have ever happened to the people of Matebeleland, it is clear there is non that can be closely compared to the 1980-88 Gukurahundi killings. Twenty thousand people according to the number the Zimbabwean government agrees it killed, were killed although survivors are adamant that the number of people who were killed is almost four times that and despite all attempts by the Zimbabwean government fighting to see the matter shelved, civil organizations are continuing to press hard, calling for the redress and retribution of Gukurahundi. We witnessed the honouring of the late Vice President of Zimbabwe, Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo on the 22nd of December 2013, yet his followers who were killed following have not been honoured. Will Zanu Pf ever admit and make right the wrongs done in the 1980's. The bodies of the victims are lying there in bushes being washed away by the rains every year yet nothing is being done about it. Yes, Nkomo was honoured and the people of Matebeleland witnessed this grand occasion but the question is, "who will honour the victims of these atricities and will there be honoured the way their leader was?".

Zimbaweans must not ignore the fact that the killings really took place and people were killed. Zimbabwe knows for a fact that Gukurahundi happened and as long as this is not spoken about openly and redressed, Gukurahundi will forever haunt Zimbabwe. The perpetrators of Gukurahundi whom most of them are claimed to be high ranking officials in the Zimbabwean government are afraid of the damage that may happen to their careers and personal images if the issue of Gukurahundi is brought to light. This is why they go out of their way to crush all efforts being done to speak out about Gukurahundi. Citizens must not back down till justice has been attained. Nothing whatsoever must stop the will of the people to get justice over this atrocity. This genocide really violated the people's rights and the human rights being talked about on a daily basis.

As of late, the Matabeleland South branches of Zimbabwe's main opposition parties have called for a full probe into the Gukurahundi atrocities and prosecution of the perpetrators. These atrocities need to be tackled head on and resolved if the country hopes for any reconciliation until then we will continue to fight within ourselves, Ndebeles and Shonas, superiority and inferiority will forever prevail in Zimbabwe.Contributing in a public debate forum on National Healing and Reconciliation organised by the National Youth Development Trust in Gwanda yesterday representatives of the four main opposition parties all agreed that the atrocities need to be tackled head on and resolved if the country hopes for any reconciliation.

The four parties, Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) represented by Mbonisi Gumbo who is also the national spokesperson, MDC T represented by former parliamentarian Thandeko Zinti Mkandla, MDC represented by former Gwanda Mayor Lionel De Necker and ZAPU represented by Mncedisi Tshabalala all agreed that urgent action must be taken to deal with the people responsible for the atrocities. In an article by the Southern Eye staff reporter on the 14th of February a number of issues were raised in this debate carried out. It asserts that: "The forum held at the Gwanda Red Cross Hall was convened to look particularly into the operations of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as set up in Part 6 of Chapter 12 of the new constitution of Zimbabwe. The constitution states that the commission must exist for a ten year period from the effective date of the new constitution in which time total reconciliation of the warring Zimbabwean tribes must have been sorted. The commission is expected in the period to have managed to seek truth on all past atrocities the country has experienced and pave a way for no further such atrocities happening in future.

The Gukurahundi atrocities of the early 80s in Matabeleland is the immediate example of issues that need to be attended to. Other such issues that come to mind are the political violence of the 2005 and 2008 general elections and the Murambatsvina operations that left thousands homeless. Contributing to debate, Mr Mkandla of the MDC T queried government's commitment to the commission seeing that its almost a year since the constitution was effected and already time is being lost before the commission has even been set up. Mkandla doubted ruling ZANU PF's commitment to the commission as it is likely to touch mostly on their senior members most of who are directly linked to the Gukurahundi atrocity if reports from enquiries on Gukurahundi are anything to go by.

 It is said that ZANU PF has the majority in Parliament and if they are serious about the commission they would have set it up already and aligned all the required legislation as a matter of urgency seeing that the commission is time framed. Gumbo of MRP stated that his party as believers of Matabeleland cessation from Zimbabwe to revive the Mthwakazi Nation does not believe that reconciliation in Zimbabwe is a possibility and the separation of the country into two states is the only way out." Representing the Welshman Ncube led MDC, De Necker echoed Mkandla's sentiments calling upon ZANU PF as the parliamentary majority to take the lead in ensuring the setting up of the commission and its total functionality. "Our party as a very small minority in parliament can do very little to push for the speedy set up and operational of the commission but ZANU PF must take it upon themselves as bound by the constitution to set up the commission and urgently."

We as the citizens of Zimbabwe call upon the government through the Ministry of Youth to urgently facilitate psychological counselling of several young man from Matabeleland who are still suffering from traumas of seeing their parents butchered in front of them. A lot of young people in Matabeleland are still having traumas of seeing their parents killed in front of them, their sisters and mothers being raped and pregnant mothers' stomachs being ripped open and no help has ever been accorded to these young people. And for various reasons it is very difficult if not impossible for the two parts of Zimbabwe to unite and the only way that can bring a peaceful solution is to allow the country to break into two and bring back the Mthwakazi Nation and there is need for the government to speed up the probe into Gukurahundi as the country remains divided with a lot of questions unanswered around the issue.

JOSHUA MQABUKO NYONGOLO NKOMO: A LEGEND

It is no doubt that the late Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Joshua Nkomo is a large political icon whose name and legacy is subject to use and abuse by those left behind. On the 22nd of December 2013, in Zimbabwean history, Nkomo was honoured nationwide as we saw the erection of the gigantic statue in Bulawayo. The Bulawayo airport was named Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and the main street in Bulawayo was changed to Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo street and we are yet to see the re-opening of his hospital, Ekusileni.Throughout his career Nkomo preached the simple gospel of non-tribalism, no racial discrimination, equal opportunities and equal distribution of land among the whites and dispossessed blacks.He was convinced that once the land imbalance in Zimbabwe was corrected, everyone would be uplifted socially and economically.Our departed hero, may his legacy live forever.

The late Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Joshua Nkomo.

 Born on June 17,1918 to black missionary teachers in the Semokwe reserve of south west Matebeleland, Joshua Nkomo earned himself respect from all his country man and respectable names like Chibwechitedza, Father Zimbabwe and Umdala Wethu to mention but a few. Nkomo was a hero as we saw the establishment  and unveiling of his statue and the refurbishment of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo on the 22nd of December 2013. The 22nd of December is a Unity Day that marked the end of the Gukurahundi massacres. The Bulawayo main street was also renamed after the late Vice President  as symbolising the "real story of Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans, our struggles and our aspirations as a people."

Dr. Nkomo studied in South Africa where he met some of the influencial leaders of the ANC (African National Congress) whose ideas influenced and shaped his political career. It was during this time when he met Nelson Mandela and other regional leaders. Upon his return to Bulawayo, Nkomo founded a number of small organisations which were banned by the British colonial authorities before founding ZAPU in 1962 which was immediately banned. Frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations with the authorities, subtle indifferences from the international community and the constant banning of liberation movements, Nkomo decided to form a government in-exile as a way of stepping up to international pressure on the colonial regime and effect political change in Southern Rhodesia. His ideas came under heavy criticism from his Secretary General,Robert Mugabe, Julius Nyerere, then President of Tanzania and his once trusted friend, Ndabaningi Sithole, who it seems were now becoming alarmed by his popularity at home and abroad.

A year after ZAPU's formation, the party split on ethnical grounds with Robert Mugabe breaking away with the Shona majority and leaving ZAPU as the mostly Ndebele organisation. It is this breakaway from the ZAPU that has caused harm in Zimbabwean  as a nation. It is this separation on ethnic grounds that caused the notorious Gukurahundi massacre of 1986 and up to present day, the two ethical groups have not seen eye to eye. The ethical issues have since formed a system whereby the Shona people are seen as superior to the Ndebele people. And will there ever be unity between these two ethical groups?. Nkomo gained popularity in those years but despite hi's popularity, he lost the 1980 elections and went on to decline the presidential post offered to him. In 1982, he was appointed cabinet minister and he was accused of plotting a coup, this is where it all began. His documents were seized and he was restricted to his Bulawayo home. He soon sneaked out of his home town via the Botswana boarder into Britain.  It is said that after his escape thus when Mugabe unleashed the notorious Korean Fifth Brigade upon Nkomo's Matebelelalnd and some parts of Midlands, which was known as the Gukurahundi. It is alleged that the massacre was to deal with what was known as the dissidents. This army killed an approximated number of 20 000 people.The killings went on until 1987 when Nkomo signed into the Unity Accord which marked the end of these atrocities. Thus Nkomo was reconciled with Mugabe and the two parties merged, leaving Zimbabwe as effectively one party state. 

Nkomo throughout his life believed that once the land imbalances was corrected, everyone in Zimbabwe would be uplifted socially and economically. At the unveiling of his statue President Robert Mugabe addressed thousands of people who attended and said, "Dr.Nkomo was a man of the people, who was not a tribalist nor a regionalist. He indeed immersed in unity. The statue and street will allow us to continuously reflect on where we stand as a nation, also to introspect on what we are doing, vis a vie what Dr.Nkomo stood for. We note that an earlier attempt had not satisfied us that the statue  was an accurate representation of him, a man of the people, a man that we honour and respect. 

Dr. Nkomo was the Vice President of Zimbabwe until his death on July, 1999.

   OUR DEPARTED HERO,  MAY HIS LEGACY LIVE FOREVER AND HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

here is no doubting that Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo is a large political and historical figure whose name and legacy remains available for use or abuse by those who remain behind. - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-opinion-sc-columnist-byo-41168-article-Joshua+Nkomo%3A+Thin+line+between+honour+and+dishonour.html#sthash.xODArd8y.dpuf

FLOODS HIT TSHOLOTSHO AND TOKWE-MUKOSI.

Who would have thought that ethical differences between the Shona and Ndebele could have such effects even after so many years? The Gukurahundi genocide left scars on the people of Matebeleland. A lot of people lost their loved ones from the genocide. From then, the Shona people were deemed to be superior to the Ndebele people of Matebeleland. Even so there is still that gap between the Shona and the Ndebele speaking people. As of late the floods that have hit the two parts of Zimbabwe have been dealt with differently. The Tokwe-Mukosi incident of Masvingo was declared a national disaster while the Tsholotsho floods have been given less attention. Priority was given to Masvingo floods more than it was given to Matebelelaland. Zimbabwean citizens are facing huge challenges in trying to get shelter as the floods have destroyed practically everything that they have inclusive of their property and their crops.  

Minister of Local Governance Ignatius Chombo.

The government has revealed that it does not have enough resources to help more than 60,000 families affected by floods in the Tokwe Mukosi dam basin. In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, local government minister Ignatius Chombo said the situation in the area was so bad that relocation of the affected families need to be speeded up. However the relocation effort was being hampered by the lack of resources. Furthermore, the flooding that happened at Tokwe-Mukosi dam basin has come about because our engineers had anticipated that the dam would take three years to fill but, to our surprise, this has just happened in half season “So it becomes necessary therefore that we speed up relocation of all the people now, not it three years, we don’t have enough time.

It had been alleged that the government had done nothing about the Tsholotsho floods and the help was being rendered to citizens in Msvingo while neglecting the situation in Tsholotsho. These accusation were widely felt as no effort was being made in helping the vicitms in Tsholotsho. Stung by accusations that flood relief efforts have all been centered on Tokwe-Mukosi in Masvingo, the government has responded by sending a high powered delegation of no less than eleven ministers descended to water-ravaged Tsholotsho. The ministerial team, led by the Senior Minister of State Simon Khaya Moyo, will assess the damage caused by recent floods as well as the needs of the affected families, many of whom were left homeless. Also on the tour was the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland North Cain Mathema, Professor Jonathan Moyo (Information, Media and Broadcasting Services), Sydney Sekeramayi (Defence), Dr Ignatius Chombo (Local Government, Public Works and National Housing), Joseph Made (Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development), Lazarus Dokora (Primary and Secondary Education), David Parirenyatwa (Health and Childcare), Obert Mpofu (Transport and Infrastructural Development), Kembo Mohadi (Home Affairs), Saviour Kasukuwere (Environment, Water and Climate) and Walter Chidhakwa (Mines and Mining Development). Killian Mupingo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture

Villagers of Mapili and Mbamba on Wednesday told Southern Eye that government officials had not lived up to their promise to chip in with assistance after they lost their crops and homes that were washed away by the floods. The government and donor agencies only provided food, shelter and clothing to flood victims in Sipepa and Gariya while neglecting villagers of Maili and Mbamba area that were equally hard hit. However, these allegation have been dismissed by other villagers who asserts that the government intervened and helped all the villagers equally. No-one has been left out by the government and it it said that villagers are continuing getting help from the relevant authorities. Government officials must live up to

their promises and make lives better for their citizens who voted them in power.

It can be concluded that the government of Zimbabwe is facing huge challenges in trying to deal with these disasters, nevertheless, the measures taken so far are of great importance and people's lives have been made better by the donations made. Due to climate change, the rainy season is not yet over and heavy rains are still experienced in some parts of the country and we appeal to the government to take action and help the citizens in need. This kind of help must be given to all people affected despite their ethnic groups and their geographic location. Help must be rendered to all the citizen needing it and the Tokwe-Mukosi incident must not be given prominence than the Tsholotsho floods because all these are floods that have destroyed people's lives and the government must give help in those areas as these people have rights. The right to shelter, food and all the basic needs for their survival, therefore, let no-one's rights be violated in these incidences, lets see our government at work and trying all their best in making sure that the current situations are being made better by the help they offer. 

SOLOMON MUJURU'S DEATH REMAINS A MYSTERY

                        

What truly caused the death of Retired General Solomon Mujuru remains an issue of important national inquiry. And the most pertinent question is who killed Mujuru? Who were his number 1 enemies? Baba Jukwa posted on social networks that "Some of us who are in the know find it difficult to suppress that information and it is high time the truth has to come out" Jukwa gives a piece of information about the events leading to Mujuru's death. A million dollar question is, was Mujuru really trying to over throw the President and did the President respond "accordingly" when this information was given to him? Can we say that Mnangagwa played a vital role in the elimination of the retired General? Food for thought. Solomon Mujuru, Zimbabwean's most prominent war hero and husband to the current Vice President of Zimbabwe Joyce Mujuru died on the 16th of August 2011. A normal citizen can argue that Mujuru was assassinated and by whom remains a mystery. Baba Jukwa an unknown person on the social media is believed to be a close ally of Zanu pf and claims to have inside information on the day to day running of the Zanu pf political party. Jukwa gave a controversial and interesting piece of information on how Mnangagwa fueled the elimination of Mujuru. Is he guilty as charged? If so was he involved in the entire planning of the assassination. Did rivals fear the power possessed by the two? Noticeable is that, Solomon Mujuru played a vital role in elevating his wife to the Vice President post. As such the combined power of the Mujurus could have totally eliminated the other faction.Therefore, one can argue that his elimination was planned so as to weaken the position of Joyce Mujuru in succeeding the Presidential seat. Notably is that, this anonymous source Baba Jukwa who claims to have insight information on Zanu pf had rumored that he will close his facebook page and how reliable is he or the information that he gave concerning the death of Mujuru. He seems to be pointing fingers to a few individuals in the party, what if he was involved and he is also as guilty as those that he claims are responsible.

THE PRESIDENT AND THE LATE RETIRED GENERAL SOLOMON MUJURU WITH HIS WIFE THE CURRENT VICE PRESIDENT JOYCE MUJURU.

Jukwa has exposed the hand behind the murder of retired Defense Forces Commander; General He says that the liberation war icon, Mujuru, and Mugabe's briefcase-man, Emmerson Mnangagwa, met to resolve the ZANU (PF) succession dilemma as President Robert Mugabe was reluctant to vacate the Presidential office. Baba Jukwa, who has proved to be knowledgeable about internal goings-on in Zanu (PF), alleged that Mujuru had met Mnangagwa at his Tynwald Farm and proposed that they bury the rumor that he and Mnangagwa were sworn enemies who were dragging Zanu (PF) party into extinction because of their jostling for power.
 General Mujuru and Mnangagwa agreed to go and meet President Mugabe and tell him to step down during the period of the inclusive government, and leave one of them as the leader of the party and the country. Mujuru did not care who would be President as long as he was First-Vice President. The General is claimed to have even said that the two of them could revive the fortunes of the party to 1980 levels and that President Mugabe was now a liability.  The two agreed Mnangagwa would set up the meeting with President Mugabe. Unbeknown to Mujuru, Mnangagwa went and told Mugabe that Mujuru was a traitor and that he wanted to set up a sting where Mujuru would be recorded by the intelligence and dealt with in the usual way. At the meeting, tape-recorders running, Mujuru told Mugabe that his leadership was now a liability and that he should step down, which Mujuru felt he had every right to do since he was singularly responsible for enabling Mugabe to take control of Zanla in the post 1974 era when Zanla had become a military force unto itself without the leadership of the incarcerated Zanu (PF) leadership. According to Baba Jukwa President Mugabe was already angry at Mujuru for spearheading the formation of the Mavambo Kusile Dawn political party and that he encouraged Simba Makoni and Dumiso Dabengwa to rebel against him, and about being misinformed in the run-up to the 2008 elections that all was rosy, when in fact underground some intelligence officers were on the ground campaigning for Makoni.  Mugabe, Mnangagwa and the CIO then planned the mission to murder Mujuru without any suspicion, so the General was told that they would conclude the matter as soon as the President returned from the SADC Luanda Summit. Three Lebanese assassins based in South Africa were brought in to eliminate the General while Mugabe was at the Summit and beyond the finger of suspicion. While he was there, a senior army general was tasked with working with the CIO through a protégé of Menard Muzariri (former deputy DG of the CIO) – who brought in his three Lebanese assassins based in South Africa to accomplish the mission to eliminate the General. The day after their arrival at the Summit, news of the General’s death was all over the world. This is Baba Jukwa’s version of the events that led to the death of Solomon Mujuru.

AT THE SCENE OF THE FIRE WHERE MUJURU'S REMAINS WHERE FOUND

Mujuru was a brave man who managed to oppose the President on issues of paramount importance concerning national security. It can also be said that he was a threat to the presidential seat.The statement  “Dealt with the usual way” really captured my attention. Like I said everything happens behind the scenes. What meaning can be deduced from this statement “dealt with the usual way’? What is the usual way of dealing with people who seem to be opposing the ruling party? Was Mujuru dealt with the usual way? A normal citizen can see that Mujuru’s death was no accident, it was planned and it was a murder. It is said that Mujuru died in a fire that consumed his farm house. How convenient is that? If Mujuru was eliminated by these Lebanesse assassins, it becomes clear to all of us that the fire was set up to prevent suspicions.How could a trained army General fail to escape the fire? A liberation hero who ducked the bullets in the liberation struggle certainly cannot die in a mere candle fire

His death is still a mystery and there are a lot of unanswered question as to how the fire started to an extent of claiming his life.His wife also stated that her husband could have escaped through a window from their bedroom because it is not secured by burglar bars. It is very true that there was a foul play on his death.

Pallbearers carry Mujuru's coffin against a record crowd that thronged the national shrine.

 Things are happening behind closed doors, actions are taking place behind the scenes! My friends always advise me on avoiding such matters because I will end up "disappearing." disappearing to where I ask? As confusing and farfetched as it may sound, my answer is that you will disappear to a place behind the scenes where things are solved. Things cannot be solved in front of the prying eyes of normal folk, but behind the scenes.

                                                MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.