President Mnangagwa Emphasizes Media’s Role in National Development

President Mnangagwa Emphasizes Media’s Role in National Development

The media industry remains vital to Zimbabwe’s development, but its success depends on adapting to evolving technology, President Mnangagwa stated yesterday.

Speaking at State House during a meeting with editors from public and private media, the President acknowledged the difficulties the industry faces as digital advancements reshape how information is consumed.

By Ruvarashe Gora

“I understand the challenges you encounter in this rapidly changing media landscape,” he said. “The shift in audience preferences, driven by technological innovations, has made traditional media obsolete. These changes affect not only your industry but also government operations, which historically resist rapid transformation.”

The meeting, organized by the Department of Presidential Communications, was aimed at fostering dialogue between the government and the media sector.

President Mnangagwa emphasized that the government supports a dynamic media industry but stressed the importance of financial sustainability and maintaining national identity. He added, “A strong media sector is crucial, but its viability must be secured. Our national media should be independent in thought and committed to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s interests”.

He also encouraged journalists to remain well-informed as they interpret national developments. “Your role is to analyze and explain the political landscape. I sometimes find your interpretations fascinating, some are accurate, while others are rather imaginative. However, as long as the intention is to inform and serve the national interest, even errors will be seen as honorable,” he remarked.

Regarding Zimbabwe’s economy, the President acknowledged existing challenges but expressed confidence in the country’s resilience. “We always strive for better economic performance, but difficulties affect not just Zimbabwe, but the entire region and even the continent. Despite these hurdles, our nation is rising to the occasion. Recent good rainfall will significantly boost our agriculture-driven economy,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa also dismissed concerns about external pressures influencing the country’s economic direction, citing new global policies that target Africa’s resources. He said, “Some powerful nations now assume they can shape their economies using our resources. This presents a new challenge we must confront”.

He reiterated his willingness to engage with the media, pointing to his prompt approval of the meeting when the Presidential Communications Department proposed it. “I saw this discussion as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, especially as we enter another year of my leadership term”.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the President called on journalists to uphold professionalism while adapting to change, ensuring they remain a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s development.