Focus on development

The forum seeks to create a platform for journalists in the province to give more attention to developmental issues.

Gapare exhorted the media to prioritise developmental issues that have a bearing on people's lives, especially in the wake of socio-economic challenges afflicting Zimbabweans.

"I want to challenge the media to make a radical shift and desist from a preoccupation with issues that do not improve the welfare of the generality of the people," said Gapare.

"The media should be there to steer development, give a voice to those who otherwise might not have the chance to speak and allow them to open up on challenges they will be facing.

"There are a lot of developmental challenges that are affecting remote communities in this country from lack of roads, clinics and even access to medication and these issues should be in the spotlight in the media so that people's lives improve at the end of the day."

Gapare said there was need for the media to promote development by inculcating values and virtues of self-reliance, especially in the wake of the west's illegal economic sanctions.

Source: allAfrica