Rumbidzai Mhlanga
The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) is intensifying its efforts to combat corruption by forging stronger partnerships with the media, a move hailed as vital for transparency and accountability in the justice sector.
In a pivotal address to journalists in Bulawayo on Friday, LSZ President Lison Ncube emphasized the indispensable role of the press in upholding justice and exposing misconduct.
“This is my first interaction with you as LSZ President, but our approach remains the same—we seek to build lasting partnerships with the media,” Ncube declared. “The decision to evolve what was once a simple networking event into a full-fledged training session reflects our commitment to deepening these relationships. We recognize the media as an integral part of the justice sector.”
The Bulawayo event brought together journalists from various media houses for a robust discussion on the nexus of law, journalism, and corruption. The LSZ’s initiative underscored the need for media professionals to grasp legal complexities to effectively report on graft and ethical breaches. Methuseli Moyo, a seasoned journalist and lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), delivered a powerful presentation on the media’s role in fighting corruption. He urged journalists to remain impartial, warning that bias undermines their credibility.
“The media is supposed to be a watchdog, ensuring that the pillars of power do not abuse their authority,” Moyo said. “However, we have seen a troubling trend where corruption coverage is politicized, turning it into a tool for factional battles rather than a fight against corruption itself.”
Moyo pointed to the erosion of public trust in journalism, attributing it to selective reporting and ownership influence. He contrasted today’s challenges with a historic benchmark: “When the Chronicle exposed the Willowgate Scandal in the 1980s, ministers lost their jobs, and corruption was taken seriously,” he noted. “Today, corruption has been weaponized, and many of those implicated manage to portray themselves as victims or heroes rather than culprits.”
Ncube highlighted the LSZ’s mission to promote ethical legal practices and accountability within the profession. By fostering closer collaboration with the media, the society aims to amplify its impact on Zimbabwe’s justice system. “We believe that continuous engagement with the media will enhance public understanding of legal issues and promote access to justice,” Ncube stated. “Our goal is to ensure that the media remains an independent force capable of holding power to account.”
The Bulawayo training marks the LSZ’s second major media engagement, with Ncube pledging more initiatives to come. The move signals a proactive stance in addressing Zimbabwe’s persistent corruption challenges, where the proliferation of media platforms and anti-corruption bodies has yet to curb the normalization of graft.
As corruption scandals continue to dominate headlines, the collaboration between legal experts and journalists could prove instrumental in restoring public faith in both institutions. With its emphasis on training and dialogue, the LSZ is positioning itself—and the media—as key players in the fight for a more just Zimbabwe.
