Takaona Defends ZMC and AIPPA

The former ZUJ president, Mathew Takaona, last Saturday shocked journalists gathering for the annual general meeting of the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) in Harare when he defended the Zimbabwe Media Commission and the notorius AIPPA.

The former president, who is ironically eying a post in ZMC, itself a statutory body, also wants a position in VMCZ's board, raising questions of conflict of interest as VMCZ is pushing for self-regulation.

Takaona stunned delegates to the VMCZ meeting when he said the ZMC was an important establishment and heavily supported AIIPA saying it was a good law.

Several newspapers were shut down by the government since the promulgation of AIIPPA in March 2002 and quite a number of journalists were forced into exile, as a result.

It is surprising that the former ZUJ president, whose union has long advocated for self-regulation of journalists, was now calling ZMC a good establishment and AIPPA a good law.

Vote Frank Chikowore for Secretary General 

Chikowore Calls For Takaona Probe

Comrades, we hear that the former ZUJ president (in office illegally) Mathew Takaona is driving a Colt at night because he doesn't want to be seen by fellow union members who are angry with his prolonged stay in office and alleged abuse of the union's resources.

Yours truly, the incoming secretary general, condemns any form of corruption, both proved and yet to be proved.

I must say that a probe of Takaona's executive will be carried out once the new leadership is installed. I also challenge the former president to explain to the union's membership how he acquired the vehicle in question when in fact he is known more for being a ZUJ official than a journalist.  

Vote Frank Chikowore for ZUJ secretary general