Nkosentsha Khumalo
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), in conjunction with Transparency International Zimbabwe, has held a two-day workshop at a Hotel in Bulawayo, to equip the Media fratenity with skills and knowledge necessary to investigate and report on anti-corruption matters.
The Anti-Corruption Reporting Media Workshop, which ended on Tuesday, was specifically crafted to embolden journalists, fortifying their investigative and reporting capabilities to shed light on the intricate web of corruption that hinders socio-economic development in the country, directly contradicting the National Development Strategy (NDS)1.
Journalists were equipped with skills on how to identify red flags of corruption and also on how to indulge in investigative journalism.
The workshop, informed by the understanding that corruption and underdevelopment are intertwined, aspired to instill in journalists a methodical and systematic approach to uncovering and reporting on corruption, thereby empowering the media to play a pivotal role in combatting this menacing scourge that is plaguing the country.
During the Anti-Corruption Reporting Media Workshop, ZACC Deputy Chairperson Commissioner Kuziva Murapa emphasized the importance of Media collaboration with ZACC, stating that the media is a critical stakeholder in the fight against corruption.
He said the Media plays a crucial role in disseminating information, and is valued and recognized in the country’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy and NDS 1.
Murapa emphasized that an informed and knowledgeable society is essential for building a shared national ethos and a collective sense of national identity.
“As front line fighters, there are some cases that would benefit greatly from the Media’s interventions, particularly cases that have not been reported accurately to the general public. Premature reporting on such cases may not have the desired impact.”
“This workshop aims to enhance the capacity of journalists to investigate, report, and expose corruption through targeted training sessions such as these, facilitating the exchange of information between media houses.”
“We also seek to promote ethical reporting practices and responsible journalism, ensuring unbiased coverage of corruption-related matters,” Murapa said.
Murapa urged the Media to be vigilant in reporting cases of corruption, emphasizing that some cases of corruption remain hidden from public scrutiny.
In an impassioned plea, he emphasized the importance of the media’s role in bringing these issues to light,
“We cannot fight this battle alone. The media must join forces with us and shine a spotlight on corruption, so that we can work together to root out this menace.”
“We also lobby for the support of the media in highlighting our successes, such as our impressive 70% conviction rate, is paramount. This means that in two-thirds of the cases we take to court, convictions are secured,” explained Murapa, ZACC Deputy Chairperson.
He added, “We also need your help to redefine the concept of a public officer. In some of our cases, CEOs of parastatals have claimed that they are not public officers when brought before the courts. Expanding the definition of a public officer would help us prosecute more effectively.
“In addition to reporting our successes and advocating for legislative improvements, we also call on the media to help us by focusing on specific areas of corruption in the Matabeleland region, such as money laundering, trafficking, and mineral exploitation,” Murapa continued.
“We urge you to deploy investigative journalism techniques, develop subject expertise, and become specialists in these areas.”
Murapa also emphasized the need for journalists to maintain their own integrity and resist bribes, stating,
“To combat corruption effectively, journalists must uphold their own ethical standards, reject bribery and inaccurate communication, and work with us to bring transparency and accountability to the nation.”
Siphiwe Chafunga Moyo, Legal Manager at ZACC, underlined the importance of collaboration between the commission and the media, stating,
“Corruption cases that we investigate often originate from stories reported by journalists, so we need to work closely with you as a vital source of information and a powerful ally in the fight against corruption.”
Addressing the issue of whistleblower protection, Moyo highlighted the limitations of the current legal framework, saying,
“Section 14 of the Prevention of Corruption Act attempts to safeguard whistleblowers from victimization, but it does not provide complete protection.”
Simbarashe Zvidzai, Provincial Head of ZACC in Bulawayo, summed up the gravity of the situation, stressing the urgency of collective action against corruption.
“Corruption is an insidious menace, but together we can conquer it. We must refuse to accept it, resist its advances, and report its presence. It is only through our unified efforts that we can eradicate this blight from our society and build a brighter future for all,” Zvidzai declared.
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