Government to sink over Z$250 billion into propaganda

By Lance Guma
11 April 2006

The embattled government of Robert Mugabe intends to sink over Z$250 billion in propping up the New Ziana news agency amid a worsening human rights record. New Ziana boss Munyaradzi Matanyaire told the parliamentary portfolio committee on Transport and Communications the agency had been unbundled into three strategic business units but needed money to begin operations. The agency plans to set up radio and satellite television in addition to the news agency already running and churning out state propaganda. War veteran and broadcaster Happison Muchechetere has been lined up to run the stations.

Matanyaire, who was presenting oral evidence to the committee, conceded that the proposed New Ziana short-wave radio project in Gweru was political and could not generate ‘the much needed revenue’. He said the radio and satellite television stations were meant to counter what he called ‘negative publicity against Zimbabwe by the hostile Western media.’ Observers have however pointed out that given the country’s dire economic situation the Z$250 billion needed for this propaganda campaign would better serve the interests of ordinary people via the purchase of food and medicines.

Zoe Titus a programme Director with the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) told Newsreel ‘the government has no business operating media institutions.’ She said authorities in Zimbabwe should be providing platforms for other players to enter the broadcasting sector instead of trying to control it. The government could avert negative publicity by doing positive things in the media and that includes granting licences to community broadcasters and local FM stations. Titus also said the billions of dollars they wanted to use in the propaganda war could be better spent on essential services for poor Zimbabweans.

The government has also invested heavily in equipment thought to be from China to jam the shortwave transmissions of independent stations like SW Radio Africa. Harsh media laws like the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) have been selectively used to shut down 4 newspapers.