MISA criticise 'empty' media reform promises

The criticism comes with less than a week left for media and information minister Webster Shamu to implement key media reforms, after an alleged agreement by the principals in the unity government. Prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai told a press conference recently that this agreement had been reached during a weekly meeting with his coalition partners more than two weeks ago.

Shamu has apparently been ordered to reconstitute the illegal boards of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe and the Mass Media Trust by Monday, 12 March 2012.

But with just six days left of the 'ultimatum' there is still no sign that the boards will be reconstituted.

MISA Zimbabwe chairman Njabulo Ncube told SW Radio Africa on Tuesday that it is "very unlikely" that Shamu will abide by these orders.

"There is no indication on the ground of any movement towards these reforms. Plus, all issues in the government are still outstanding and ZANU PF is still insisting these boards are legal," Ncube said.

He added: "We are convinced that the Prime Minister Tsvangirai has been sold another dummy by Robert Mugabe and the onus now is on the Prime Minister's office to talk about what has happened since that ultimatum was set."

"Evidence shows us that whatever was agreed remains an empty promise," Ncube said.

Source: allAfrica.com