Tungwarara Rewards Journalists for Positive Zimbabwe Coverage in Drive to Boost National Image
Tungwarara Rewards Journalists for Positive Zimbabwe Coverage in Drive to Boost National Image

Presidential Advisor Dr. Paul Tungwarara has launched a campaign to reward journalists and media houses that consistently highlight the country’s achievements and progress.

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This move is part of a broader strategy to attract investment, foster national unity, and support President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda.

Dr. Tungwarara’s initiative comes at a time when Zimbabwe is working to reshape its global image and counter anti-national propaganda.

Speaking at a recent engagement with journalists, he emphasized the importance of balanced reporting and the role of the media in driving national development.

“We are not saying journalists should not write negative things about us, but there must be a balance. People must strive to market the brand Zimbabwe.

We are all Zimbabweans, and if investors come to Zimbabwe, that will benefit all Zimbabweans. It will create more jobs, and even the media will benefit through increased advertising,” Dr. Tungwarara said.

The campaign, which has already gained traction, seeks to recognize and reward journalists who have consistently reported positively on Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.

Dr. Tungwarara revealed that awards will be given to media houses and individual journalists who have demonstrated a commitment to showcasing the country’s successes and potential.

“We must reward and award such journalists. They have stood with President Mnangagwa, the presidium, and the party at large. This campaign is very good for every Zimbabwean,” he added.

Drawing inspiration from global best practices, Dr. Tungwarara highlighted Dubai’s approach to media regulation as a model for Zimbabwe.

In Dubai, positive reporting about the country and its leadership is encouraged, while negative reporting is met with strict consequences.

“We are copying this from Dubai. In Dubai, you are only allowed to write positively about the country and its leadership. If you write negatively, you will be jailed. It’s time for our media to report reality and genuine facts, taking the country forward,” he explained.

The initiative has been widely praised for its potential to transform Zimbabwe’s media landscape and foster a culture of constructive journalism.

By equipping journalists with essential tools and skills, Dr. Tungwarara aims to empower them to tell Zimbabwe’s story in a way that resonates with both local and international audiences.

However, the campaign has also exposed challenges within the media sector, including the influence of individuals who sponsor negative coverage to advance personal or political agendas.

Dr. Tungwarara’s efforts have shed light on these issues, prompting calls for greater accountability and professionalism in journalism.

Despite these challenges, the initiative has already begun to yield positive results. Journalists who have embraced the call for balanced reporting are being celebrated for their role in promoting Zimbabwe’s development agenda.

This includes highlighting key achievements such as infrastructure development, agricultural reforms, and social programs like the Presidential War Veteran Fund, which has transformed the lives of thousands of former liberation fighters.

As Zimbabwe moves closer to realizing its Vision 2030 goals, Dr. Tungwarara’s campaign to reward positive journalism is seen as a critical step in building a cohesive national narrative. By celebrating those who contribute to the country’s positive image, the initiative not only strengthens the media’s role in national development but also reinforces the importance of unity and collective effort in shaping Zimbabwe’s future.

The recognition of journalists for their positive coverage is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a media environment that supports growth, transparency, and national pride. As Dr. Tungwarara aptly put it, “This campaign is very good for every Zimbabwean.”