Download - Media Institute of Southern Africa

State of the media in Southern Africa 2002
investigations showed the CIO operative had only been “suspended” whilst
police claimed he could not be found anywhere. Instead they leaked the story to
the government-controlled Herald newspaper in the hope of confusing the public
about to their own role or failure to act.
There was indeed tension between ZANU-PF and the MDC, but it was more a
question of outrage, laced with the realisation of the extent to which the organisation
had been compromised. ZANU-PF savoured its coup. The episode has
made the MDC more alert to the landmines placed in its path as it tries to engage
ZANU-PF in the current dialogue.
Both the public and opposition were stunned by the extent to which a government
could go in its panic to safeguard its position. In a sense that was just a
window into how the government would react in its bid to protect itself.
The promotion of the police officer and the inability of the law enforcement
agents to arrest the CIO operative unfortunately send the signal that these organisations
are untouchable. It has the effect of terrorising people. It makes
them utterly powerless.
Any story that is thoroughly researched and presented has its benefits: It does a
lot for the credibility of the newspaper; among the readers it instils a sense of
trust in the paper’s ability to investigate and report clandestine activities; it has
a spin-off effect in that suddenly everyone inside the organisation wants to pursue
an investigative story. Investigative journalism is good for business.
A well-researched story seldom has legal implications. That was the case with
this particular investigative work. But in other cases it could be crippling, when
the people affected sue, but that only occurs when no thorough investigations
have been undertaken.
After his training at the Harare Polytechnic, Nyamutata began his career at The
Herald, where he specialised in court reporting. In 1999, he joined The Daily
News and soon established himself as a very solid reporter. In recognition of his
work, Nyamutata was soon elevated to the position of Chief Reporter. Early
this year Nyamutata travelled to the United Kingdom, to further his studies. In
his absence, Mr. Thomas Deve, IT Manager of the Daily News, will receive the
award on his behalf.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The John Manyarara Award for Investigative Journalism is presented annually.
The winner receives 2 000 Euro and a study grant of 10 000 Euro. The award is
an initiative of the Media Institute of Southern Africa and the NiZA and is a
tribute to Justice Manyarara, the founding Chairperson of the MISA Trust Fund
So This Is Democracy? 281