EDUCATION minister David Coltart yesterday accused the State media of always bypassing him to seek comment from his deputy Lazarus Dokora each time an issue concerning his ministry arose. Report by Nduduzo Tshuma Staff Reporter
Coltart, who is from the Welshman Ncube-led MDC, said while he worked well with Dokora, a Zanu PF official, he suspected the snub could be politically motivated.
“(I am) intrigued by how The Herald is studiously printing comments from my deputy rather than me on education matters even though I am very contactable,” said Coltart on Twitter.
“I have a good relationship with my Zanu deputy so that is not the problem. But The Herald and Sunday Mail should follow correct protocol.
“In terms of the law, for example the Education Act, it is the minister who is responsible and decides and outlines policy. Newspapers should respect that.
“Comment from deputy ministers should be obtained in the absence or non-availability of the minister. My cell number is well known.”
The State media has been accused of being biased in favour of Zanu PF in its reporting by the two MDC formations in the inclusive government.
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe attacked the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), accusing it of being biased towards Zanu PF especially during elections.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Speaking during commemorations to mark the United Nations International Human Rights Day in Harare, Khupe said ZBC should give equal coverage to all political parties and stop being used as a Zanu PF propaganda mouthpiece.
“We want access to information because Zimbabweans are sick and tired of propaganda on ZBC, which is now Zanu PF Broadcasting Corporation, and even Satan does not approve of it,” she said.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai last year told journalists in Bulawayo that he was the worst victim of demonisation by the State media.
