The Sunday Mail
Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo has been in some sort of war of attrition with the public media for quite some time now.
For some reason, he repeatedly accuses the public media of fanning factionalism.
In particular, he believes that the public media are aligned to a faction.
What is instructive is that Cde Gumbo has not done much within the public eye to fight factionalism. Rather, he seems to be fanning it via his pronouncements on what should be collective party matters.
This gives rise to the unfortunate but justifiable perception that he is moulding himself into a factional spokesperson instead of being a party spokesperson.
Cde Gumbo can easily help matters by being forthright with the media whenever he briefs us on party issues.
On too many occasions now, Cde Gumbo has announced one thing after a Politburo meeting or during the general course of his duties, only for it to emerge that he has not told us the whole story.
Sometimes, his version is at complete variance with what subsequently happens in Zanu-PF.
Should the public media, on the back of such a history, simply continue to swallow hook, line and sinker whatever he says? Surely, not only has he done much damage to what was previously a very professional relationship, but he has created the untrue impression among some people that the public media is out to get him. Further, as the media we have a responsibility to verify whatever any public official says, and it is a responsibility that we accord the seriousness it deserves.
Cde Gumbo should not expect the media to merely regurgitate whatever he says without cross-checking accuracy and context.
We cannot be lapdogs who are hostage to power interests that have nothing whatsoever to do with the public interest and the development of this nation that we all profess to love.
It is not our duty — professionally, legally or morally — to advance sectarian interests, regardless of who propagates them.
The relationship has not irretrievably broken down. There is still room to build bridges so that Cde Gumbo and the public media can resume a normal, professional relationship.
All it requires is sincerity and candour on both sides.
And it should also be clear to all that even within that professional relationship characterised by mutual respect, the media will continue to scrutinise, analyse, question, critique and suggest solutions.
Where something is wrong, we shall call it as it is. Where a good job is done, kudos will be given. And this is said not just within the context of Cde Gumbo’s continued accusations against the public media, but within the wider context of all public officials — more so those from the ruling party.
When it comes to the national interest, no one is above scrutiny, no one is above criticism, and no one has carte blanche to do as he or she pleases and expect the people to smile and nod their heads.
No.
We are patriots, not parrots.
The public media will not be a pliant and blunt tool that public officials can use to advance causes that have nothing to do with our collective development.
And so in conclusion, we would like to let Cde Gumbo know that we have nothing against him personally.
We only ask for professionalism from you.
EDITORIAL COMMENT: Cde Gumbo, take time to introspect
The Sunday Mail
Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo has been in some sort of war of attrition with the public media for quite some time now.
For some reason, he repeatedly accuses the public media of fanning factionalism.
In particular, he believes that the public media are aligned to a faction.
What is instructive is that Cde Gumbo has not done much within the public eye to fight factionalism. Rather, he seems to be fanning it via his pronouncements on what should be collective party matters.
This gives rise to the unfortunate but justifiable perception that he is moulding himself into a factional spokesperson instead of being a party spokesperson.
Cde Gumbo can easily help matters by being forthright with the media whenever he briefs us on party issues.
On too many occasions now, Cde Gumbo has announced one thing after a Politburo meeting or during the general course of his duties, only for it to emerge that he has not told us the whole story.
Sometimes, his version is at complete variance with what subsequently happens in Zanu-PF.
Should the public media, on the back of such a history, simply continue to swallow hook, line and sinker whatever he says? Surely, not only has he done much damage to what was previously a very professional relationship, but he has created the untrue impression among some people that the public media is out to get him. Further, as the media we have a responsibility to verify whatever any public official says, and it is a responsibility that we accord the seriousness it deserves.
Cde Gumbo should not expect the media to merely regurgitate whatever he says without cross-checking accuracy and context.
We cannot be lapdogs who are hostage to power interests that have nothing whatsoever to do with the public interest and the development of this nation that we all profess to love.
It is not our duty — professionally, legally or morally — to advance sectarian interests, regardless of who propagates them.
The relationship has not irretrievably broken down. There is still room to build bridges so that Cde Gumbo and the public media can resume a normal, professional relationship.
All it requires is sincerity and candour on both sides.
And it should also be clear to all that even within that professional relationship characterised by mutual respect, the media will continue to scrutinise, analyse, question, critique and suggest solutions.
Where something is wrong, we shall call it as it is. Where a good job is done, kudos will be given. And this is said not just within the context of Cde Gumbo’s continued accusations against the public media, but within the wider context of all public officials — more so those from the ruling party.
When it comes to the national interest, no one is above scrutiny, no one is above criticism, and no one has carte blanche to do as he or she pleases and expect the people to smile and nod their heads.
No.
We are patriots, not parrots.
The public media will not be a pliant and blunt tool that public officials can use to advance causes that have nothing to do with our collective development.
And so in conclusion, we would like to let Cde Gumbo know that we have nothing against him personally.
We only ask for professionalism from you.
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