University of Zimbabwe 2017

Faculty of Arts

Theme: Reporting the 2018 Harmonised Elections: Ethical Considerations and Safety for Journalists

Proposed Workshop: One Day Symposium

Date: 5 July 2017

Venue:  Llewellyn Lecture Theatre

1. Workshop Rationale

Zimbabwe is set to hold Harmonised Elections in 2018 in line with Constitutional provisions. As is the case with all elections, the media is central to the unfolding of the whole process. Media coverage becomes part of the complex tapestry of processes that are interweaved with both the search for and commitment towards a free and fair election.

Remarkably, the nature and quality of coverage can potentially trigger violence or promote peace since the media is the pre-eminent vehicle in disseminating information in the modern public sphere. Ethical reporting that is balanced, credible and fair and devoid of sensationalism and incitement is what Zimbabwe desperately needs.

The conducting of elections in Africa and the rest of the world has witnessed varying cases of ethical transgressions. In some instances, journalists have been caught up in electoral conflicts leading to arrests, injuries or death in the course of conducting their duties.

Since elections impact the integrity of the whole nation, the University of Zimbabwe as a leading knowledge community is obliged to provide a discursive platform that rallies together diverse voices to create a political and intellectual dariro. Such a platform is vital in order to generate sustainable consciousness in the search for harmony, peace and unity. The significance of these elements to national development can never be over-emphasised. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, participated in a universe in which division meant death and unity life. It is in this context that the University of Zimbabwe intends to hold a one day symposium on the ethical considerations of reporting as well as the safety of journalists.

It is hoped that the symposium will bring together key stakeholders from government, public and private media and NGOs to discuss and reflect on ethical considerations and the safety of journalists during the 2018 Harmonised Elections.  

1. Proposed topics and presenters
2. Role of journalism and journalists in society — University of Zimbabwe/Ministry of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services.
3. Media Law  - Faculty of Law
4. Safety of journalists  in the coverage of elections — Zimbabwe Union of Journalists
5. Female journalists and coverage of elections — Gender Media Connect
6. Ethical issues in election coverage —Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe
7. Reporting on the electoral processes, voter registration, voter education – Zimbabwe Electoral Commission/Zimbabwe Election Support Network
   1. Target Audience

Journalists, government officials, student Journalists, NGOs, civil society groups and academics among others.

1. Proposed venue

University of Zimbabwe

1. Dividends to University of Zimbabwe

The University of Zimbabwe as the leading academic brand is poised to enhance its status by hosting such an important workshop which is critical in the smooth coverage of the electoral process. In addition, this will cement its position in terms of journalism training in light of the new honours degree programme in Journalism and Media Studies and the entire rebranding of the institution by offering new and exciting programmes. The workshop will boost the confidence of the trainee journalists who are enrolled on the programme as it gives them an opportunity to interact with key stakeholders in the media sector.

1. Dividends to the Community

Holding such a workshop is likely to result in improved election coverage, better image for the country and empowerment through intellectual dialogue among stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and interests.  

1. Dividends to Sponsors

Sponsors who will partner the University of Zimbabwe will have an opportunity to be associated with the leading academic brand in Zimbabwe which is also highly rated internationally, tap from the various opportunities associated with both the current students and the UZ Alumni. Sponsors will also use this opportunity to demonstrate good corporate responsibility and citizenship by empowering students and practising journalists.