Staff Reporter
The local media should put national interests first in their reportage, just as the late national hero and former Information Minister, Dr Christopher Mushohwe, did in his life, President Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing thousands of mourners who converged today at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of Dr Mushohwe, President Mnangagwa said the media must be at the forefront of uniting the nation, which is preparing for harmonised elections some time this year.
“As Minister of Information and Publicity, the late Cde Mushohwe encouraged a media fraternity that was united by the national interest.
“As we accelerate our national socio-economic development and more immediately, prepare for the upcoming harmonised general elections, I call upon the media to be responsible and always seek to unite the people of our great country.
“This is the only Zimbabwe that we have, this is our motherland and media practioners must never sell out our birth right for a few pieces of silver,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President also encouraged civil servants to draw a leaf from Dr Mushohwe’s work ethic, which was underpinned by integrity and dedication.
“In this regard, our bureaucrats across ministries, departments, and agencies, are called upon to emulate the footprints of the late national hero. We are a Government of the people. Under the Second Republic, delivering on the aspirations and welfare of our people remains our unwavering commitment.
“Our public servants must therefore be accountable to the people of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.
“The basic values and principles that govern public administration, including high standards of professional ethics, probity as well as efficient and economical use of State resources must be promoted for the realisation of Vision 2030 and ultimately improving the quality of life of our people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also hailed Cde Mushohwe for providing scholarships to hundreds of Zimbabweans during his tenure as Director of the Presidential Scholarships Department.
“His passion for education for the underprivileged saw him appointed to lead the Scholarships Department, which he did both as Executive Director and Minister responsible for scholarship in the office of the President.”
