Zim media mobilized for better social accountabili...

Zim media mobilized for better social accountability reporting

Zim Now Correspondent

Social accountability reporting is key especially for development and the media has an important role in equipping stakeholders including politicians and citizens to for informed and progressive discussions.

**ActionAid project manager said Mrs Delight Moyo**

This came out at an Editors Indaba on Social Accountability Reporting in Kadoma hosted by the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe in partnership with ActionAid, High Way Africa.

"The media should be held accountable to the communities they serve. By reporting on issues in a way that is fair, balanced, and transparent, the media can help to create a more informed and engaged public," said ActionAid project manager said Mrs Delight Moyo.

She said social accountability is a key concept in reporting on issues in the media hence the need for innovative skills to be imparted among media practitioners.

She said this includes giving voice to marginalized groups and ensuring that all voices are heard.

MSU Governance and Public Management lecturer Dr Vincent Chakunda said members of the public need to be well versed about issues to do with public resources management, implementation and utilization to curb abuse.

"Social Accountability reporting is a broad issue compounded by various topics that ranges from health, agriculture (food security), non - governmental Organisation's operation, donations among other issues that keeps people awake during the night. There are a lot of issues that the media can probe to avoid the erosion of the economy and to protect lives of innocent individuals through holding those in power to account for their actions," he said.

He said public funds and resources ought to be managed and those who are found wanting should be brought to be book.

Zimbabwe Editors Forum national coordinator Mr Njabulo said social accountability reporting ultimately, helps to create a more just and democratic society.

"In the context of Zimbabwe, social accountability in the media is especially important in holding the government and other powerful institutions accountable. It is mind healing to the aggrieved souls who often suffer due to massive corruption by duty bearers who are supposed to protect them," he said.

He added that, social accountability, in the broadest sense, refers to the social mechanisms through which citizens and civil society organizations can hold public institutions and government officials accountable for their actions.

Zim Now managing partner Monica Cheru said in Zimbabwe, there are several gaps in social accountability.

"One major gap is the lack of access to information, which makes it difficult for citizens to hold their government accountable. Another gap is the lack of transparency and openness, which prevents citizens from being able to effectively monitor and evaluate the performance of public institutions," she said.

She said the lack of trust between citizens, CSOs and government officials makes it difficult for open and constructive discussion where everyone puts national interest first.

Other media managers present at the workshop that runs till Thursday pointed out the need for media capacity building to empower journalists investigate and report cross cutting issues.