Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Walter Chari
22 June 2009
Harare — THERE is need for the media to report more on science and technology issues if the country is to achieve real economic development, a Cabinet minister has said.
Science and Technology Minister Heneri Dzinotyiweyi said the fact that science and technology played a pivotal role in people's lives means there was need for increased media coverage in order for the nation to develop a science culture.
The Minister was speaking at a media workshop held in Harare, and organised by his Ministry to discuss ways on how issues to do with science and technology could receive more coverage.
"The gap between the rich and poor countries is determined by how the countries have developed their science and technology. Those countries that have developed their science and technology are now super powers and those that have not are still in the doldrums of poverty.
"Therefore, the media has a big role to play in order for the nation to develop a science culture that supports industrialisation and business as a whole," he said.
He also said for his ministry to fulfil its mandate of co-ordinating and promoting the systematic application of science and technology in support of national development it was imperative for the media to write on critical science and technology issues and on achievements by our local scientists.
"I challenge you members of the media to write on science and technology issues, produce science and technology programmes such as debates, talk shows, magazines, documentaries and features in order to improve living standards of our people," said the Minister.
In a speech read on his behalf by the National FM station manager, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings chief executive Happison Muchechetere said the national broadcaster was cognisant of the need to increase science and technology issues in its programmes hence the introduction of a science and technology segment on its Sunday news edition.
He said more programmes were coming.
Zimpapers Group Editor in chief Pikirayi Deketeke who was represented by George Chisoko said his different publications under the Zimpapers stable were already reporting on science and technology issues covering topics such as the environment, health issues, industrial development, mining, agriculture, and transport among others though much was still needed to be done.
He however, invited more experts to come forward and contribute on science and technology issues as columnists.
Speaking at the same workshop was Nobel laureate Professor Chris Magadza who urged government to utilise its human capital base especially the Zimbabwean scientists in the Diaspora.
"We have a lot of skilled men and women in many areas you can think of who are scattered all over the world. We need to actually entice them to contribute their vast knowledge to the development of the country and as the media you have a role of popularising research and development achievements by local individuals," he said.
Senior officials in the Ministry of Science and Technology who included the secretary Professor Francis Gudyanga, media practitioners, and local Scientists attended the media workshop.
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