president-mnangagwa-paving-the-way-for-inclusive-media-culture-in-the-great-republic-of-zimbabwe _On the fast lane to 2030 by Maxwell Haitengeswinyika Teedzai_ *President Mnangagwa paving the way for a more inclusive media culture in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe* | Mon Feb 17, 2025 Through his x.com handle, HE President Dr ED Mnangagwa has, today, passionately shown his dedication to fostering a vibrant, free, and open media environment that aligns with the Second Republic’s Devolution Policy—one that truly leaves no one and no place behind! Collaboration with media is the heartbeat of robust economic development in the Great Republic. As a journalist with over 15 years of experience, I firmly believe the Second Republic has a treasure trove of opportunities for the Fourth Estate. However, we must first liberate our minds within the media fraternity. The shadow of foreign interference still looms large, and as journalists, we must craft the true narrative, steering clear of being used as proxies for imperialism, which ultimately harms our beloved Nation. It’s a missed opportunity that recent programs didn’t include other established media voices, which are vital for reshaping the Zimbabwean story. Social media is quickly evolving into a powerhouse for development communication, making traditional media platforms feel outdated. The rapid-fire dissemination of information on social media is a game-changer, leaving conventional newsrooms struggling to keep pace. I truly believe social media is stepping in to replace conventional media houses, and the Great Republic of Zimbabwe is ready for business—albeit in a dynamic and unusual way. The surge of AI in the media landscape has solidified social media's role as essential for development communication across the Great Continent of Africa. Engaging more editors from across media boundaries with the Head of State is not just important; it’s crucial for realizing Vision 2030—because without communication, there can be no meaningful development. If the President takes another giant step to formally engage social media editors, it would significantly reduce the stigma often attached to them. Currently, non-formal editors and reporters are often denied diaries or media job cards, a worrying trend that undermines the common good. Social media reporters, who are at the forefront of trending development communication, frequently lack the official content needed to thrive. This situation ultimately does more harm than good, yet we are slow to embrace the reality that social media is vital for our information landscape. The lack of a policy review that fosters an inclusive media environment is a barrier we must overcome. Media sensitization spearheaded by the President is therefore essential to ensure no editor and no media player is left behind in crafting the National Development Media Agenda. As social media personnel in Manicaland Province, we wholeheartedly appreciate the President's initiative; it’s a significant step toward making our country’s development goals achievable! Like I said, the primary issue we want to highlight is the urgent need for a more inclusive media culture in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe—one that celebrates the diversity of voices within our media landscape. It is my thinking that in the not so distant future, our Government media policy must adapt to these fast-changing trends, ensuring we fully harness the potential of editors and media personnel from across the media constituency for the common good of our Nation’s shared values, culture, and future. #mediafreedom #vision2030 #thegreatrepublicofzimbabwe #collaboration #development #inclusivity #socialmedia #journalism #empowerment #transformation