By Prince Chese
Journalists should uphold professionalism, prioritising punctuality, transparency and observe cyber security laws in their day-to-day reporting.
These points were highlighted during a one-day extensive refresher course help for Beitbridge reporters.
The event was organised by the Beitbridge Chapter of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists and drew journalists from different media houses.
The refresher training programme foccussed on strengthening professional standards and digital safety awareness among media practitioners.
It sessions on Basic Media Laws and General Practice, Nursing Sources and Story Angling, Staying Safe Reporting Cyber Security, Children’s Rights, Privacy and The Rights of Victims of Gender Based Violence, Businsss Etiquette In The Media, Navigating the Threats of Citizen Journalists On Mainstream Media and Coordination, Information Sharing, Nstworking and Media Advocacy.
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) journalist Aifheli Mudau, a panelists, stressed the importance of punctuality when covering assignments, saying time management directly affects the quality of reporting.
“A journalist needs to be early to any diary or function in order to prepare and get in touch with sources. This makes it easier to gather information and set up cameras properly,” Mudau said.
He said there was need for transparency and proper handling of equipment, urging journalists to thoroughly inspect their tools before assignments.
“Make sure you check your resources such as cameras, audio cables or tripods. Check your batteries and SD cards to avoid disorganisation,” he said.
Lawyer Jabulani Mzinyathi of Garikayi and company put a legal perspective to the training, and underscored the importance of safety in reporting, particularly in the digital era.
He said the need for fact verification and understanding the background of sources to avoid publishing false information.
Mzinyathi warned journalists against unlawful access to information and unlawful data interference, noting that cyber security awareness is now a critical component of modern journalism.
Nqobile Ncube from Zimborders, another panelist, proposed the establishment of a local press club to promote continuous professional development among journalists in Beitbridge.
He said limited time during such refresher meetings often restricts in-depth discussions on key issues affecting the profession.
Ncube emphasised punctuality, effective communication, respect for personal space and boundaries, accountability and maintaining professional conduct as essential traits of a good journalist.
In a separate interview after the training, Tapson Ndou of Lostha FM told Ziyah News Network that the refresher programme had strengthened his journalism skills and broadened his understanding of ethical reporting.
“This was an important meeting for me because I learned about good communication skills, protecting and respecting sources, using the right terminology and maintaining cordial engagement,” Ndou said.