By Rex Mphisa
THE Municipality of Beitbridge and journalists from the border town have agreed on a collaboration expected to improve information dissemination to residents.
At a Zimbabwe Union of Journalists organised face to face meeting between the town clerk Loud Ramakgapola and municipality public relations officer Raniel Ndou and journalists, the town chief executive said residents should be the ultimate beneficiary.
“We want you to criticise us when we fail, do not spare us where we do well you should also tell the people. A partnership with the fourth estate is important, ” he said.
“I have experience with the media having worked with many in my life as a human resources manager for another organisation. Journalists are an integral part of any society just like we are and can help educate residents on developments and interpretations,” he said.
The meeting called by MatabelelandSouth Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, one of the many planned with public entities, sought to create dialogue and accessibility of reporters to public officials.
Reporters have in the past complained about non accessibility of officials with would result in stories lacking official comments lacking balance.
Ramakgapola said although all council affairs are public, there were circumstances were residents privacy needed protection which should be respected.
“For instance someone calls and says they are a journalist and want information at times its not possible on the phone. You need to see who you are talking to and find out if they are genuine,” he said.
Matabeleland South Zimbabwe Union of Journalists chairman Thupeyo Muleya asked journalists to lay bare their issues because it was important to create dialogue.
Going forward the parties formed a media platform expected to increase the visibility of the municipality to the media.
Another Zuj official said journalists were citizens in a town and had a role to participate in its building.
Journalists from Lotsha FM, Zimpapers, Ziyah Media and some freelance reporters attended the meeting held in council chambers.