SECTOR 4

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

2.9 (2012 = 1.7; 2010 = 1.5; 2008 = n/a;
2006 = n/a)

4.4 Journalists and other media practitioners are organised in trade unions and/or professional associations, which effectively represent their interests.
There is one media trade union – the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ),
which is registered as a union in terms of the Labour Act. Its work is positively
recognised, and the union is “visible” and “aggressive in the representation of
its members” (for example in hiring lawyers on behalf of their members where
necessary), although its efforts have been met with resistance by employers.”
“Newspaper owners don’t appreciate role of ZUJ, and owners and management
view ZUJ as an enemy.” The handling of salary issues at AMH, for example, has
placed a wedge between journalists, ZUJ and the proprietors.”
As a means of promoting good journalism, ZUJ also hosts the national media
awards, in which paid-up members can participate.
Other professional media associations include FAMWZ, Media Institute of
Southern Africa (MISA), the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (ZINEF), the
Sportswriters Association, and the Zimpapers Editors Forum.
ZINEF is viewed as effective – with membership from both private and state
media. “It does a lot of its work quietly, for example, in its involvement on the
issue of Caesar Zvayi suspension.”5
FAMWZ has worked hard to engage media and tertiary institutions in terms of
gender issues and gender policies in media houses. The organisation has also
conducted media monitoring on gender issues, with the help of the MMPZ.
5

56

In December 2013, Caesar Zvayi, editor of The Herald newspaper, was sent on forced leave amid accusations by
Information, Media and Broadcasting Services minister, Jonathan Moyo that the paper had published a story based
on false assertions that smacking of a hidden political agenda.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2015

Select target paragraph3