Media Accreditation Delayed

By Gilbert Munetsi

Various authorities and stakeholders have been urged to accept journalists’ 2021 media accreditation cards while the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) awaits the gazetting of new fees, Nhau has learnt.

The ZMC in a statement Wednesday said proposals had been sent to the line Ministry for consideration and once the greenlight had been given, accreditation would commence.

“As a temporary measure to allow journalists and other media practitioners to carry on with their duties, the ZMC is appealing to authorities and stakeholders to accept accreditation cards for the year 2021.

“The ZMC is appealing to all stakeholders to treat 2021 accreditation cards as valid until the gazetting of the new fees and the resumption of accreditation.

“The Commission calls upon all stakeholders and security agents manning checkpoints to assist journalists and other media practitioners to carry out their duties without harm or harassment,” reads the statement.

As has become the norm, issuance of practicing identity cards for the media is decentralised to the country’s provincial capitals.

Turning to the role being played by the media against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ZMC noted:

“The Commission applauds the role played by the media in 2021 in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

 “As the pandemic is still around, the media is being called, once again, to double its role in the fight against this pandemic.” Nhau/Indaba