Acting Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jonathan Gandari announced the new Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation (ZBC) Board approved by the President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Ms. Helliate Rushwaya as the ZBC Board Chairperson.

Helliate is the young sister of convicted gold smuggler, Henrietta Rushwaya.

Jonathan Gandari urged all media houses and broadcasters to prioritize their responsibility towards maintaining community sensitivities and avoiding harmful stereotypes. He strongly condemned inflammatory rhetoric and biased reporting that divide audiences at the national level, emphasizing the need for factual reporting that fosters mutual understanding and constructive dialogue.

He implored media outlets to adopt responsible editorial practices and promote diverse viewpoints to strengthen social cohesion and prevent further polarization.

On another note, ZBC recently apologized to the nation and vowed to take disciplinary action against its presenters who made tribal remarks on air.

Last Wednesday on Good Morning Zimbabwe, presenters, Farai Juliet Magada and Victoria Manase claimed that the 19th century Ndebele King Lobengula Khumalo sold the country’s mineral resources to colonialists for sugar and that colonialism was justified to some extent.

The discussion, which they described as trivia, focuses on South Africa, colonialism, and slavery. During the discussion, the presenters made the remarks that sparked outrage and reportedly resulted in their suspension pending further disciplinary action.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation is a state-owned broadcaster in Zimbabwe. It was established as the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation, taking its current name in 1980.