Journalists deserve recognition for their role as nation builders, not criticism when they receive public appreciation.
Association of Mining Journalists in Zimbabwe president, Tafadzwa Dube, said this as he defended Wicknell Chivayo’s gestures toward the media fraternity.
Dube argued that Zimbabwe must stop condemning public recognition of journalists, especially when similar practices are normalised internationally through structured media hospitality and institutional support.
“We cannot continue demanding world-class journalism from people operating under extremely difficult conditions while society ignores their welfare,” Dube said.
“Journalists are nation builders and strategic partners in development. They deserve recognition.”
He drew a clear line between appreciation and corruption. “If a businessman publicly appreciates journalists without demanding false reporting or editorial manipulation, that cannot automatically be classified as unethical conduct.”
Dube pointed to global precedents, including White House correspondents travelling on Air Force One and international reporters receiving sponsored access at major events such as the World Economic Forum.
“Globally, the key issue is whether editorial independence is compromised. Zimbabwe must avoid hypocrisy by condemning locally what is internationally accepted.”
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He also noted that recognising journalists’ contributions could reduce unethical practices born of financial desperation.
“Poor welfare creates vulnerabilities,” Dube said.
“A journalist with professional dignity and stability is less likely to face survival-based compromises.”
“Zimbabwean journalists have carried the national story through difficult times. They deserve respect, protection, and appreciation. Recognising journalists is not a crime — it is an investment in national development.”
