By Zisunko Ndlovu
In the year 2012, the greatest spectacle for me was a realization of a lot of things that sum up a developed country. It was obviously away from the usual derision of politics as a determinant of a wide range of things in the sphere of development.
I had new discoveries and new revelations all alike.
I got an understanding of the country’s ailing economy in greater depth, and possibly, as curiosity to effects could push, I explored into comprehension of the possible causes of the misfortune.
Firstly, in my admission, it is the decay in the politics of the country. This has opened pores that drool away salient etiquette of good governance permitting corruption and economic vices to take centre stage.
In my own reckon and horizon of remembrance, one project that got my attention, was the Mall of Zimbabwe. The Mall of Zimbabwe was not spared from political infiltration by any standard.
Despite it being currently the only container of hope for the country whose economic stance has struggled to stand upright after the 2008 economic meltdown, with major investments being said to be scared away by indigenization policies, Augur investments’ project has proved its reason for existence despite tireless efforts to stall its progress.
Since then, I have watched how dawn had gradually crept in, starting with the commendable issuance of the Environmental Management Agency’s certificate of compliance, then an overwhelming endorsement and acceptance of the project by government Ministers found across a wide spectrum.
I have never been concerned much with environmental issues, more like a lot of people, not segregating those that have been in the lead of painting negative pictures of development initiatives with little to no insight at all.
The media not spared.
Sir Anada Tiega of the Ramsar convention held world wetlands day commemorations near Matobo national park. World wetland commemorations are held on the 2nd of February yearly.
Tiega was on transit to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls on the similar cause. To anyone, Tiega was an insight on this topical issue. Apart from fulfilling the errand of his sojourn, Tiega could be celebrated as the ultimate reason for repainting the Mall of Zimbabwe project dirtied by some sectors of the media.
However, my main worry and cause of concern has not been quenched yet. My observance of the media’s indulgence in demeaning development initiatives grew. Of course, the media industry is there to highlight topical issues in society.
But its role should be carefully disassociated from pioneering the will of national saboteurs or equally important, those who bank political triumph through downplaying initiatives that ought to benefit the majority.
I have also observed how manipulative most politicians in the country are, particularly those who seek cheap found political mileage by hijacking external projects already in the pipeline for their gains.
As such, the impending United Nations World Tourism Organisation conference to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia will only be made a success from the nature of reportage by the Zimbabwean media which in turn will influence the international media.
Without media responsibility, a nation dies, slowly or in a manner hastened. For Zimbabwe, this would be the death of Brand Zimbabwe. Let Zimbabwe grow!
Zisunko Ndlovu is a Zimbabwean based development projects monitor and practicing media personnel. He can be contacted at [email protected]
