The ZIMBABWE Situation | Our
thoughts and prayers are with Zimbabwe - may peace, truth and justice prevail. |
Monday
April 26th – Sunday May 2nd 2003
The
Weekly Media Update 2004-17
CONTENTS
1. MEDIA
FREEDOM UNDER SIEGE
2. IMAGE
BUILDING
3. HUMAN
RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
AS the
democratic world commemorated World Press Freedom Day on Monday, May
3rd, the Zimbabwean authorities were threatening to close down one of
the few remaining independent sources of information in the
country.
The
government appointed Media and Information Commission demonstrated the extensive
control the authorities now have over the public dissemination of information by
accusing the new owners of the privately owned weekly Tribune newspaper
of publishing illegally in violation of the repressive Access to Information and
Protection of Privacy Act (The Herald, 3/5).
But this
is only the latest government assault on the democratic ethos of media freedom
that the United Nations-sponsored event is intended to promote and safeguard.
Only a small group of media workers and human rights defenders gathered to take
stock of the damage inflicted on Zimbabweans’ right to free expression by a
determined and systematic campaign by government to silence all sources of
information critical of its policies and actions.
More
than 100 journalists have been arrested under AIPPA and the equally repressive
Public Order and Security Act (POSA), many others have been harassed and
assaulted by security forces and scores of journalists have been deprived of
their jobs following the government’s violent shut-down of the country’s most
popular daily paper, The Daily News, and its Sunday sister
publication.
In
addition, the government has hijacked the national public broadcasting
corporation and the traditional daily and weekly regional newspaper stable of
publications, Zimpapers, formerly held by a public trust, to disseminate its
propaganda and wage an unrelenting war on its critics. Independent broadcasting
also remains a figment of repressive legislation.
Instead
of operating according to basic international standards of journalistic
practice, the government-controlled media continue to be used to disseminate
abusive messages vilifying and persecuting individuals, minorities and political
opposition and promoting racism and intolerance, often bordering on incitement
to hatred.
MMPZ
laments this cynical abuse of the media and the legislative process to create
and entrench such a hostile, intolerant and authoritarian political
environment.
Notably,
the latest victim of the government media’s campaign to discredit individuals
has been the ZANU PF Member of Parliament, Kindness Paradza, the new publisher
of the Tribune, whose maiden speech in Parliament recently critically
analyzed the country’s repressive media laws.
Instead
of capturing and condemning this sad scenario in the country’s media sector on
World Press Freedom Day, ZTV (3/5, 8pm) first made the absurd announcement that
“media experts and analysts” believed “Zimbabwe has made
commendable strides in creating a conducive environment for freedom of the Press
since… 1980”, before stating that Press freedom “should not be
misconstrued as an opportunity to demonise the country and destroy the social
and political fibre which unites the people”.
MIC
chairman Tafataona Mahoso was then quoted endorsing the country’s repressive
media laws saying they were promulgated following “hundreds of
workshops” debating the issue. “These laws were tested…in terms of
parliamentary procedures…signed by the Executive… They were challenged in the
courts…and…have withstood the democratic test”, said Mahoso, who was
found to be biased against The Daily News by a High Court judge last
year, and whose commission was judged to be “improperly constituted”. Mahoso’s
comments were allowed to pass without challenge.
ZTV’s
Media Watch (3/5, 9pm) went on to echo the authorities’ absurd assertion
that Press freedom was a Western concept, whose principles could not be applied
universally.
IN an
effort to play down the adverse consequences of Zimbabwe’s international
isolation, the government-controlled media have relentlessly seized
opportunities presented by events of international stature to give the
impression that the country still enjoyed international popularity.
The just
ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) was this week used to buttress
this perspective. Despite evidence clearly showing that small indigenous firms
dominated the once regionally renowned international trade showcase, the
government media claimed the event was a success.
Coupled
with this, they used the reception accorded President Mugabe at the inauguration
of South African President Thabo Mbeki and pro-Zimbabwe statements made by
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa and Namibian leader Sam Nujoma as proof that
the international community, particularly the developing world, supported the
country’s leadership and its policies.
But in
their efforts to present the fair as a triumph, the government media gave
contradictory and confusing information on the number of exhibitors. For
example, The Herald (28/4) claimed that “a total of 627 exhibitors
including 10 from other countries” exhibited at the fair adding that
this was “the best attendance in four years”. A full list of
foreign countries exhibiting at the event was omitted, but appeared in the
Zimbabwe Independent (30/4) and the Sunday Mirror (2/5). The paper
then claimed that participants had said the increase in the number of exhibitors
was a show of confidence in government’s economic policies.
The
Sunday Mail (02/05)
quoted Industry and Trade Minister Samuel Mumbengegwi saying, “ZITF 2004
was a unique fair” as it attracted “631
exhibitors”.
Mumbengegwi
made similar comments on ZTV (29/4, 6 & 8pm) saying he was “satisfied
with the increase in the number of exhibitors…” But the Sunday
News (2/5) contradicted these claims.
It quoted ZITF general manager Daniel Chigaru as saying, “662
companies participated at this year’s exhibition… Last year the Trade Fair
attracted 734 participants.” But like its stablemates, the paper still
maintained that the fair was a success. As proof, the paper noted that
“the space covered by this year’s event increased from last year’s 42 000
square metres to more than 49 000 square metres, giving more room to small and
medium-scale enterprises and flea markets”.
There
was no analysis on how this might help resuscitate the country’s ailing economy.
Instead,
Power FM (29/4, 8pm) quoted businessman and ZANU PF MP Walter Mzembi presenting
the upsurge in small-scale industries as indicative of the country’s economic
recovery. He was quoted as saying “imported goods and luxuries”
that were showcased in previous events “had no bearing to home grown
solutions to our economic challenges…”
The
private media refuted these claims. For example, the Sunday Mirror
pointed out that while the fair was meant to facilitate trade deals that would
create wealth for the country, “the atmosphere resembled that of a flea
market, where perishables are sold to members on the public”. It further
noted that the fair’s business days, which are only open to the business sector
were low key and could have been mistaken for “a window shopping affair at
one of the capital city’s malls”.
The
Zimbabwe Independent revealed that ZITF’s livestock section, one of the
fair’s attractions, had few exhibitors. About “three-quarters of the
cattle pens (were) empty…”, it reported, adding that “only two
donkeys” were notable at the livestock display.
MDC
economic adviser Eddie Cross described the industrial section as
“pathetic” and attributed the poor livestock display to the
absence of commercial farmers who traditionally supported it. Said Cross:
“Until we get back to normal political and economic activities there will
not be a change to the situation…and exhibiting at the ZITF is a waste of time
as exporters are closing shop”.
The
Tribune (30/4)
also exposed the fair’s failure to attract livestock exhibitors in its article,
Donkeys add flavour to fair.
The
Herald and
Chronicle (29/4) however, claimed that exhibitors were happy with the
deals they had struck. But besides the “$5million worth of confectionery
ordered from Biscuitman company” by local retail shops and individuals,
no other evidence was given to substantiate the claim that “brisk
business” had been recorded at the fair.
The ZITF
was not the only event that the government media milked to gloss over the
effects of Zimbabwe’s isolation. The rousing welcome Mugabe received at Mbeki’s
inauguration provided evidence of his regional popularity and was exploited by
the government media to illustrate the credibility of his fight against the
Western world.
For
example, ZTV (27/4, 8pm) claimed that Mugabe received a standing ovation because
he “has endeared himself to many on the African continent and beyond
because of his resolute stance against all forms of oppression of the weak and
poor by the rich North.”
The
Herald (29/4)
echoed similar views, adding that the incident, together with his Earth Summit
speech and the reception he received at Walter Sisulu’s funeral, “provide
some idea of the polarity of this fiery son of the
soil”.
However,
SW Radio Africa (27/4) quoted political analyst Stanford Mukasa dismissing the
significance of Mugabe’s reception saying, “when Idi Amin was chairman of
the OAU he also received a standing ovation even during the times when there was
disturbing news from Uganda about his cruel rule.”
The
Zimbabwe Independent revealed its reluctance to concede the possibility
of Mugabe’s popularity by claiming vaguely that it was told by “somebody
who was present” that the welcome received by Mugabe emanated from the
“VIP stands” adding that “the general public were less
enthusiastic”. But it didn’t seek to corroborate this impression, or
investigate the possibility of such popularity, a phenomenon that even some in
the South African Press found “bewildering”.
The
paper however, did reveal that Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon had
used his attendance of Mbeki’s inauguration to lobby African leaders to find a
resolution to Zimbabwe’s deepening crisis.
His
strategy to resolve the Zimbabwean crisis found expression through the French
Foreign Minister, Michel Barnier, whom The Herald (29/5) quoted as saying
South Africa, as an African country, should be given another chance to resolve
the crisis in Zimbabwe.
However,
none of the media asked whether African countries would achieve the desired
result considering that most have studiously backed Mugabe’s policies in the
name of African solidarity. Clear evidence of this unbridled support appeared in
the Chronicle and The Herald (30/5). They quoted Namibia’s
President Nujoma as saying he would “openly” support Zimbabwe
“whether imperialists like it or not”. Said Nujoma: “We want
to tell colonialists that we are ready 24 hours if they dare to attack any of
our countries, they will meet us here”, adding that Mugabe was a
“shining example of resisting imperialism and
colonialism”.
WHILE
the government and the media it controls have targeted civic society and the
opposition MDC in their campaign to suffocate critical voices, it emerged during
the week that members of the ruling party who hold different views, are not safe
either.
The
Herald and the
Chronicle (29/4)
reported that ZANU PF’s Mashonaland Province had suspended its Makonde MP and
publisher of The Tribune, Kindness Paradza, from carrying out party work
for allegedly “undermining party and government programmes and policies by
serving foreign and enemy interests”.
His
suspension followed unsubstantiated claims by The Sunday Mail (25/4) that
Paradza was seeking help from Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ),
publishers of the defunct Daily News, to get British funding for the
Tribune, which has of late become critical of government
policies.
Despite
the fact that Paradza and the ANZ denied the allegations in The Tribune,
The Herald’s faceless Nathaniel Manheru (1/5) insisted that he was
guilty. Using his typically childish insults, Manheru attacked Paradza, saying
he was “bereft of sound education, principles and means”, adding
that he “has never been a creature of depth and cause”. To
substantiate the claims that he was seeking British funding for his paper
Manheru alleged that Paradza had held a “furtive conversation”
with British Ambassador Sir Brian Donnelly during Namibia’s National
Day.
The
government Press merely vilified Paradza and presented his suspension as the
right course of action by ZANU PF. The papers did not explore the fact that like
any other citizen, he has a constitutional right to associate with any
individual including Sir Brian, if ever he did talk to
him.
The
Zimbabwe Independent and The Tribune condemned Paradza’s
persecution and pointed out that he was being punished for criticizing the
repressive Broadcasting Services Act and AIPPA during his maiden parliamentary
speech and suggesting that government should revisit the laws to encourage
investment in the media sector.
The
Independent warned: “ZANU PF MPs should beware. Speak out in
Parliament and you could find yourself
deselected…”
However,
The Sunday Mail (2/5) quoted the Department of Information denying
reports that Paradza was being persecuted for castigating media laws. It said it
was not offended “by ignorant remarks” made by an “ignorant
novice parliamentarian.”
Meanwhile,
the violent seizure of Kondozi farm in the name of the Agricultural and Rural
Development Authority (ARDA), which resulted in the former farm workers being
denied their basic rights to shelter and sanitation, continued to attract media
attention. SW Radio Africa (27/4) reported that, “The farm workers from
Kondozi have now spent two weeks in the open.” The station interviewed a
former worker, who revealed that they were “…hiding in fear of their
lives…” after being evicted.
Subsequently,
the station (29/4) reported that the police had shot at and arrested a former
farm worker. The police accused him of “stealing a vehicle belonging to
Kondozi”, allegations denied by the worker and his former employer.
The
Herald (29/4)
carried the story and quoted a police spokesman saying they were
“investigating the disappearance of assets at the farm” and fired
shots after the worker had resisted arrest.
The
Zimbabwe Independent reported that ARDA had “confiscated four
vehicles that were used by management plus
motorbikes”.
In an
effort to counter such reports highlighting chaos at Kondozi, ZTV (27/4,8pm)
carried footage of people working on the farm.
Transport Minister Christopher Mushowe was then quoted claiming that
production at the farm was continuing peacefully adding that, “…what has
been written in newspapers, what has been said by our detractors has no
substance, has no basis at all.” The Sunday Mail concurred in its
vitriolic opinion piece, Sellout papers peddling lies about Kondozi farm,
which conveyed a crudely racist message. Instead of explaining the situation at
Kondozi, the article accused “British mouthpieces” at the
privately owned newspapers of “telling lies” and “selling
out under the mentality that what whites can do blacks cannot do”.
Said its
faceless author, Lowani Ndlovu, incitefully: “Zimbabweans need to stand up
against sellouts in the media, business, politics, law, civil society and the
whole works. We must confront the internal enemy once and for all”.
During
the week the private media also exposed the force the police continue to use to
suppress public protests. The Daily Mirror (29/4) and SW Radio Africa
(29/4) both reported that the police had assaulted and arrested members of the
National Constitutional Assembly who were demonstrating for constitutional
reform. The Mirror carried a front page picture showing police officers
beating up one of the protesters, while SW Radio Africa (29/4) reported that,
“three people…assaulted by the police…are still in hospital.”
The
station also revealed that those arrested were released without charge.
In fact,
this has become the norm. As Studio 7 (26/4) revealed, 90 percent of the MDC
leadership have been arrested and none of them have been convicted. Most have
had charges against them dropped.
Ends.
The
MEDIA UPDATE was produced and circulated by the Media Monitoring Project
Zimbabwe, 15 Duthie Avenue, Alexandra Park, Harare, Tel/fax: 263 4 703702,
E-mail: monitors@mmpz.org.zw
Feel
free to write to MMPZ. We may not able to respond to everything but we will look
at each message. For previous MMPZ
reports, and more information about the Project, please visit our website at http://www.mmpz.org.zw
Audience question: The England cricket team looks like fulfilling the tour to Zimbabwe to avoid a large fine. Is the survival of cricket worth more than democracy?
You said:
Sport is a result of culture, culture is respondent to ideology and ideology
is acquired and controlled through the state. Whether we like it or not sport is
interlinked with beliefs of a country. Cricket is therefore an ambassador for
our country. The England cricket team should not go to Zimbabwe.
Olly
Matthews, Hull
Text: Zimbabwe - Why is our government so spineless?
Andy,
Reading
I believe we should isolate Zimbabwe as the president is hurting his own
countrymen. However he has been doing this for years - why are we talking this
way now? It is the hypocrisy that stinks.
Errol Anderson, Balham,
London
Text: Sport and politics should not overlap each other.
Charlie, Notts
Politicians ostracised South Africa with apartheid, preventing rugby tours by
the British Lions among other sporting events. Sport is sport, politics are
politics. Keep them separate. The sportsmen do not initiate the sanctions and
isolation caused by political wrangling.
Ken, Fife
Text: The team should make its own mind up.
Helen,
Liverpool
Congratulations to the Bishop on his comments about Zimbabwe. Yvette Cooper's
comments on behalf of the government were pathetic, as have been those of the
South African Government over the years.
Ian Stewart,
Canterbury
Text: The Bishop is completely right about Mugabe. As a believer in
British democracy I won't support an English team who is willing to give
credibility to a murderous regime.
Paul, Basingstoke
Here are Zimbabwe's main exports according to an online encyclopaedia:
Asbestos, Chrome, Cotton, Foodstuffs, Gold, Tobacco. No petrochemicals - no
interest.
Jamie Watson, Ayr
Is it only me that thinks it is wrong that we have targeted sanctions against
Zimbabwe yet we allow our sportsmen to travel there playing as our national
team? Surely sportsmen playing as a national team should be the first action a
government takes with regard to showing displeasure. We are not talking about
individuals or private companies working, this is our national cricket team.
Forget the financial implications and think about the people who are suffering
in Zimbabwe, they are the important people in this.
Pete Spencer,
Leeds
Text: Why cricket? Why not British businesses which continue to make
money there.
Tendai Magadu
If Zimbabwe had oil like Iraq and not tobacco as its main crop, the
government (along with the US) would have sent the troops in long ago. One rule
for one and one for another. We should not go and play cricket and the
government should say so.
Terry Hill, Essex
The government should order the ECB to cancel the tour to Zimbabwe. The ICB
and the member countries would lose huge amounts of revenue if England did not
tour, or if they were not able to tour England if England were excluded from the
ICC. They could not survive without England.
David Cooper,
Kirkby-in-Ashfield