Published by the government of Zimbabwe
9 October 2008
Harare — The media should educate the public on the role and functions of Parliament, a senior official has said. Clerk of Parliament Mr Austin Zvoma was addressing journalists during a reception held for the media on Tuesday night.
"Media plays an important role of reaching out to much larger audiences. We are only able to print about 5 000 copies of the Hansard and they cannot reach everyone. The bulk of the copies go to various ministries where they are used. So we don't want to downplay your role," Mr Zvoma said.
He noted that media played a critical role in bringing together the electorate and parliamentarians.
"Media is important as you are not only part of the electorate, but you also serve the interests of the electorate and the elected," he said.
Mr Zvoma said Parliament would continue holding informal gatherings where the media and MPs would regularly interact to chat and establish a good relationship that would assist journalists in their work.
"We want to revive media briefings where the media and MPs can meet quarterly or have regular briefings," he said.
Mr Zvoma noted that Parliament had already held a two-day induction workshop for MPs to familiarise them with the role and functions of Parliament, business of the House and rules of debate and decorum.
"The induction was successful and we were able to achieve all our objectives," he said.
Mr Zvoma also outlined some of Parliament's plans such as the construction of a new building, updating of the database and launch of awareness programmes throughout the country to sensitise both MPs and various stakeholders on the activities of Parliament.
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