Media coverage of the constitutional reform exercise: Report No. 18- 2010
Electronic media summary (June 14 – June 20, 2010)
THE NATIONAL BROADCASTER,ZBC broadcast 26 reports (five repeats) on constitutional reforms, all of them news stories. The most heard political party was ZANU PF, which was quoted 21 times followed by MDC-T (six times) and MDC-M (four times).
The most heard individual was ZANU PF Copac co-chair Paul Mangwana. He was quoted seven times.
PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS aired nine news stories on constitutional reforms. MDC-T was the most heard political voice (six times) followed by ZANU PF (once). MDC-M was not sought for comment. The most heard individual was MDC-T Copac co-chair Douglas Mwonzora (three times).
ONLINE NEWS AGENCIES carried four news stories on the reforms. The most heard political voice was MDC-T (three times) followed by ZANU PF (two) and MDC-M (once). The most heard individuals were President Mugabe and Prime Minister Tsvangirai (two times each).
Stories on constitutional reforms in the electronic media
|
News
Source
|
Headline
|
Type of report
|
Prominence
|
Sources
|
|
ZTV
June 14,
7am.
Repeated
6pm.
|
ZANU PF Harare Province satisfied that people will articulate their views during the outreach programme
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
1. Charles Tavengwa
(ZANU PF)
2. David Karimanzira
(Harare Provincial Governor, ZANU PF)
3.Amos Midzi
(ZANU PF Harare Province Chairman)
|
Analysis: Repeat. Report first broadcast on station last week (13/6/10, 8pm). No fresh angle.
|
||||
|
ZTV
June 14,
7am.
|
Development practitioners pushing for environmental rights in new constitution
|
News story
|
Third item in bulletin
|
1. Mthuso Dhliwayo
(Environmental lawyer)
2. George Gabu
(Environmental lawyer)
3. Zvikomborero
Zimunya
(NANGO)
|
Analysis: Repeat. Report first broadcast on station last week (13/6/10, 8pm). No new perspective.
|
||||
|
ZTV
June 16,
8pm.
|
Outreach programme launched
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
3. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara
|
Analysis: Event report. Story based on the launch of the Copac outreach programme. Emphasises coalition principals’ calls for violence-free constitution making. No contextualisation of these statements to persistent reports of intimidation of the public, especially by alleged ZANU PF supporters, ahead of the public consultation phase.
|
||||
|
ZTV
June 17,
8pm.
|
Copac satisfied with progress
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
1. Paul Mangwana
(ZANU PF Copac co-chair)
2. Eric Matinenga
(MDC-T Constitutional Affairs Minister)
|
Analysis: Official update on the administrative modalities of constitutional reforms. Fairly sourced though comment from the MDC-M component of government is sidelined. Report fails to question sources about reports of ZANU PF’s alleged bullying of the public to force them to support their party’s position on constitutional reforms, chiefly in rural areas.
|
||||
|
ZTV
June 18,
8pm
|
All is set for the outreach programme
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
Paul Mangwana
(ZANU PF Copac co-chair)
|
Analysis: Official update on the modalities of the constitution making. No reference to reports of alleged violence in the country ahead of the outreach programme. Single sourced.
|
||||
|
ZTV
June 18,
8pm.
|
American Centre for law and Justice to assist Zim in national healing and constitution making
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
1. Sekai Holland
(MDC-T Minister of National Healing)
2. Jordan Sekulow (American Centre for Law and Justice-) Director)
3. Unnamed analysts
|
Analysis: Although the American organisation was given the opportunity to explain the purpose of its visit, the station used unnamed analysts to cast doubts on this. Report tainted with conspiracies and gross editorial intrusions.
|
||||
|
ZTV
June 20,
8pm.
|
Zimbabweans urged to guard gains of independence
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
Hubert Nyanhongo (ZANU-PF)
|
Analysis: Party politics. Report based on a ZANU-PF constitutional outreach programme in Harare. Highlights ZANU PF official’s interpretation of the concept, “people-driven” constitution. Single sourced.
|
||||
|
ZTV
June 20,
8pm.
|
Nothing wrong with key speakers concept: Mangwana
|
News story
|
Third item in bulletin
|
1.Paul Mangwana (ZANU PF Copac co-chair)
2. Amos Midzi
(ZANU PF Harare Province Chairman)
|
Analysis: Party publicity disguised as Copac business. Reports Copac dismissing that there was “nothing wrong” with coalition parties “campaigning for speakers who can mobilise the people to push for their party’s position” in constitution making. However, apart from quoting Mangwana, there was no establishing with other Copac co-chairs whether this was the committee’s official position. Only quotes Midzi seemingly endorsing this position, saying ZANU PF had already drafted a document, which is being used by its structures to canvass support for the party’s position on constitutional reforms.
|
||||
|
ZTV
June 20,
6pm.
Repeated
8pm.
|
Women urged to participate in the constitution making process
|
News story
|
Fourth item in bulletin
|
1.Angeline Masuku – Matabeleland South governor, ZANU PF
2.Marjorie Sikundla – Minister of women‘s Affairs gender and development provincial development officer
|
Analysis: Event report. Story based on comments made during belated International Women’s Day celebrations. Publicises official views only and ignores those of the participants.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 14,
1pm.
|
New Constitution should embrace needs of disabled people
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
Didymus Mutasa
(ZANU PF)
|
Analysis: Advocacy report. Statements made at a meeting organised by the National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe in Sanyati where Mutasa was the guest of honour. Records official views and ignores those of the participants.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 14,
8pm.
|
ZANU PF Harare province commended for educating supporters on constitution rewrite
|
News story
|
Third item in bulletin
|
Goodwills Masimirembwa
(ZANU PF)
|
Analysis: Positive publicity for ZANU PF’s constitutional campaign activities in Harare. Reports Masimirembwa appealing to party members to ensure new constitution protects aims of the liberation struggle. Single-sourced.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 15,
8pm.
|
Parliamentinvites all legislators to attend official launch of constitution outreach programme
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
Parliament statement
|
Analysis: Official announcement. Update on the administrative modalities of constitutional reforms.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 16,
6am.
|
ZILIWACO urges nation to ensure new constitution protects country’s heritage and gains of the liberation struggle
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
Shayne Chakanyuka
(War Veteran)
|
Analysis: Positive publicity for war veterans constitutional outreach activities. Report based on statements during a war veterans’ meeting in Harare.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 17,
6am.
|
GNU principals urge media to maintain peace and tranquillity during the outreach programme
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
3. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara
|
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitution making. Stresses coalition principals’ appeal for the media to facilitate peace during outreach programmes at the official launch of the exercise in Harare. No reference to reports of alleged violence in the country ahead of the outreach programme.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 17,
8pm.
|
Zimbabweans urged to be tolerant of different views during the constitution outreach programme
|
News story
|
Fifth item in bulletin
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
3. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara
|
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitution making. Publicises the coalition principals’ calls for violence-free constitution making. No contextualisation of these statements to widespread reports of intimidation of the public, especially by alleged ZANU PF supporters, ahead of the public consultation phase.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 18,
8pm.
Repeated
June 19,
1pm.
|
An American based Faith organisation willing to assist with national healing exercise and constitution rewrite
|
News story
|
Fifth item in bulletin
|
1.Sekai Holland
(MDC-T Minister of National Healing)
2. Jordan
(America Centre For Law)
|
Analysis: Negative publicity for the international NGO, America Centre for Law. Peddles unsubstantiated conspiracies about the organisation’s involvement in constitutional reforms. Report does not accord Jordan the right to respond to the accusations.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 20,
8pm.
|
Mangwana defends selection of key speakers by the three political parties during outreach programme
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
1. Paul Mangwana
(ZANU PF Copac co-chair)
2. Amos Midzi
(ZANU PF Harare Province Chairman)
3. Hubert Nyanhongo
(ZANU-PF)
|
Analysis: Party publicity disguised as Copac business. Mangwana’s position not corroborated by fellow Copac co-chairs. Neither does story view this stance as an infringement on people’s freedom of expression. Merely used the issue to give favourable coverage to ZANU PF ‘s constitutional outreach activities in Harare.
|
||||
|
Radio Zimbabwe
June 20,
8pm.
|
All set for Constitution outreach programme
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
1. Paul Mangwana
(ZANU PF
Copac co-chair)
|
Analysis: Official update on the modalities of constitution making. No independent assessment of reports of violence in the country ahead of the outreach programme. Single sourced.
|
||||
|
Spot FM
June 15,
8am.
|
ZANU PF supporters in Harare grateful for provincial leader’s awareness programmes
|
News story
|
Third item in bulletin
|
1.Goodwills Masimirembwa
(ZANU PF)
|
Analysis: Party politics. Promotion of ZANU PF’s constitutional outreach in Harare where Masimirembwa is quoted emphasising the need for party supporters to defend the gains of independence during outreach meetings.
|
||||
|
Spot FM
June 15,
8pm.
|
MPs, senators, governors and chiefs are invited to official launch of outreach programme
|
News story
|
Fifth item in bulletin
|
1.Joram
Gumbo
(ZANU PF)
2. Shayne Chakanyuka
(ZILIWACO Secretary for Information and Publicity)
|
Analysis: Official update on the administrative modalities of constitution making. Announcement on the launch of the outreach programme degenerates into the promotion of ZANU PF’s outreach activities with the station quoting Chakanyuka urging Zimbabweans to defend the gains of independence during the exercise.
|
||||
|
Spot FM
June 17,
8am.
|
Constitution outreach programme has been officially launched. Principals call for peace and tolerance during the process
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
3. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara
|
Analysis: Event report. Update on the administrative modalities of constitution making. Emphasises coalition principals’ calls for violence-free constitution making. No contextualisation of these statements to persistent reports of intimidation of the public, especially by alleged ZANU PF supporters, ahead of the public consultation phase.
|
||||
|
Spot FM
June 20,
8pm.
|
Mangwana says nothing wrong with the selection of party speakers during the outreach programme
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
1. Paul Mangwana
(ZANU PF Copac co-chair)
2. Amos Midzi
(ZANU PF Harare Province Chairman)
3. Hubert Nyanhongo
(ZANU PF)
|
Analysis: Party position publicised as official Copac resolution. Report does not question the effect of Mangwana’s statement on freedom of expression or explore the tensions the move would generate on already polarized rural communities in the wake of reports of intimidation and violence, allegedly by ZANU PF. Advances ZANU PF agenda as it subsequently quotes two of its officials urging people to protect the gains of independence during the outreach meetings.
|
||||
|
Spot FM
June 20,
8pm.
|
All set for constitution outreach: Mangwana
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
Paul Mangwana
(ZANU PF Copac co-chair)
|
Analysis: Official statement on the administrative issues of the constitution making process. No independent assessment of reports of violence in the country ahead of the outreach programme. Single sourced.
|
||||
|
Studio 7,
June 15
|
GNU leaders to call for peaceful constitutional debate
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
Reverend Solomon Zwana
|
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitutional rewriting. Preview of the official launch of the outreach programme by coalition principals where they were expected to appeal for peace during the public consultations.
|
||||
|
Studio 7
June 14
|
Constitutional Minister dismisses fears public comment on constitution will be stifled
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
1. Giles Mutsekwa
(MDCT Co- Home Affairs Minister)
2. Eric Matinenga
(MDCT Constitutional Affairs Minister)
|
Analysis: Administrative modalities of constitution making. Report raises fears that police may frustrate outreach gatherings in MDC dominated areas by invoking POSA after cabinet reportedly made no decision to soften provisions in the Act that hinder free assembly. Reported through the eyes of the MDC-T arm of government. No comment from the party’s coalition partners or the police.
|
||||
|
Studio 7
June 16
|
Power sharing partners launch constitutional revision outreachprocess
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
1. Alec Muchadehama
(Human rights lawyer)
|
Analysis: Event report. Single-sourced. Focuses on the coalition principals’ calls for tolerance and nonviolence during official launch of the outreach phase of constitutional revision. However, cites human rights lawyer cautioning on the chances of a peaceful exercise given reports of intimidation and violence across the country.
|
||||
|
Studio 7
June 17
|
Zimbabweans launch constitutional consultations under shadow of violence
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
1. Charles Mangongera
(Analyst)
2.Jessie
Majome
(MDCT Deputy Minister of Justice)
4.Douglas Mwonzora
(MDC-T Copac co-chair
|
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitutional reforms. Report raises the spectre of violence during outreach programmes despite the coalition principals’ calls for peace. Cites, for example, the MDC-T’s latest accusations that ZANU PF militants allegedly burned the homes of MDC-T supporters in Muzarabani to keep them from taking part in the outreach process. However, ZANU PF not given right of reply.
|
||||
|
Studio 7
June 18
|
Rural dwellers poorly informed on constitutional revision
|
News story
|
Fifth item in bulletin
|
Albert Mhlanga
(Pumula MP, MDC-T)
|
Analysis: Positive publicity for Mhlanga who is quoted complaining about the lack of awareness of constitutional reform exercise in some rural areas of Matabeleland ahead of the outreach phase. Story solely relies on Mhlanga’s observations without attempts to confirm this with villagers. Neither is Copac comment sought.
|
||||
|
SW Radio Africa
June 15
|
MDC urges Zimbabweans to participate in outreach programme
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
1. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
2. Tonderai
Samhu
(MDC-T Youth chairman for Mashonaland Central)
|
Analysis: Party politics. Favourable coverage of the MDC-T’s constitutional campaign activities. Report based on a statement by Prime Minister Tsvangirai carried in the MDC-T mouthpiece, Changing Times.
|
||||
|
SW Radio Africa
June 16
|
Public hearings on constitution launched
|
News story
|
Fourth item in bulletin
|
1. Douglas Mwonzora
(MDC-T Copac Co-chair)
2. President Mugabe
3. Unnamed source
|
Analysis: Event report. Used the coalition principals’ official launch of the public hearings on a new constitution to explore the issue of violence that have marred constitutional reforms. However, report restricts itself to reporting MDC-T allegations of violence against its members contained in the party’s mouthpiece, Changing Times. No official corroboration of these claims.
|
||||
|
SW Radio Africa
June 17
|
Hope and scepticism greet launch of outreach programme
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
1. Changing Times
2. Douglas Mwonzora
(MDC-T Copac co-chair)
3. ZESN statement
|
Analysis: Follow-up to the official launch of the constitutional outreach programme. Records mixed feelings on the expected success of the constitution-making exercise.
|
||||
|
SW Radio Africa
June 18
|
Civil Society organizations to monitor constitutional outreach
|
News story
|
Second item in bulletin
|
Dzimbabwe Chimbgwa
(Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
|
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitution revision. Highlights the deployment by civil society of monitors to evaluate the constitution-making process “against established principles, benchmarks and standards expected of the process”. A Press statement-based report.
|
||||
|
ZimOnline
14 June
|
Confusion over security law as constitutional outreach starts
|
News story
|
|
1. Prime Minister’s office
2. Unnamed top government official
|
Analysis: Update on administrative modalities of constitution making. Reports the confusion over the fate of POSA during public hearings of the constitutional reforms amid fears that some of its provisions would hamper free assembly during the process.
|
||||
|
ZimOnline
17 June
|
Zim’s squabbling leaders call for peace
|
News story
|
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister
Tsvangirai
3. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara
|
Analysis: Event report. Emphasises coalition principals’ calls for violence-free constitution making at the launch of the constitutional outreach phase. No contextualisation of these statements to widespread reports of intimidation of the public, especially by alleged ZANU PF supporters, ahead of the public consultation process.
|
||||
|
ZimOnline
17 June
|
Constitutional reforms, Mugabe opponents’ only hope
|
News story
|
|
1. John Makumbe
(Political analyst)
2. Lindiwe Zulu (South African president Jacob Zuma’s International relations adviser)
3. Eldred Masunungure (political analyst)
|
Analysis: Reports analysts presenting constitutional reforms as an opportunity for MDC-T to get more concessions from ZANU PF, which they said remained reluctant to share power. No explanation how the MDC-T would gain power through the exercise.
|
||||
|
New Zimbabwe
17June
|
Mugabe, PM launch constitution outreach
|
News story
|
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
|
Analysis: Event report. Report focuses on calls by GNU principals on the need to have peaceful constitutional outreach exercise during its official launch. Fair.
|
||||
Stories on constitutional reforms in the Press
|
News
Source
|
Headline
|
Type of report
|
Prominence
|
Sources
|
|||
|
The Herald
June 16
|
New constitution must embrace disabled people’s needs: Shamu
|
News story
|
Page 2
|
Webster Shamu
(ZANU PF Minister of Media and Information)
|
|||
Analysis: Event report. Cites Shamu campaigning for the incorporation of the needs of the disabled in a new constitution at the National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe in Sanyati. Single sourced. No comment from representatives of the disabled.
|
|||||||
|
The Herald
June 17
|
Principals in call for unity
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
3. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitutional reforms. Highlights appeals by principals in the inclusive government for a violence-free constitution-making process although story does not reconcile these calls with persistent reports of violence, especially in rural areas, allegedly committed by ZANU PF.
|
|||||||
|
The Herald
June 17
|
Procedural liberties versus personal restraints
|
Opinion piece
|
Page 5
|
Reason Wafawarova
(Columnist)
|
|||
Analysis: Personal opinion. Explores the pitfalls of constitution making and campaigns for laws that recognize equality for all.
|
|||||||
|
The Herald
June 18
|
Constitution must come from people
|
Editorial comment
|
Page 4
|
Paper’s voice
|
|||
Analysis: Paper’s viewpoint. Stresses the need for a people-driven constitution. However, it makes subtle attacks on the international donor community, suggesting that by bankrolling constitutional reforms, these donors might influence the process resulting in Western opinion taking precedence over those of Zimbabweans.
|
|||||||
|
The Herald
June 18
|
MPs applaud principals’ call for peace
|
News story
|
Page 2
|
1Kudakwashe Bhasikiti (ZANU-PF)
2. Mabel Chinomona (ZANU-PF)
3. Joram Gumbo (ZANU-PF)
4. Prince Matibe
(MDC-T)
5. Willias Madzimure (MDC-T)
|
|||
Analysis: Follow-up to the principals’ calls for peace during constitution making. Passively reports MPs’ endorsement of the principals’ position in isolation of cases of alleged violence reported across the country, especially in rural areas, ahead of the outreach exercise.
|
|||||||
|
The Herald
June 19
|
New law: Donors pledge neutrality
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
1. Paul Mangwana (ZANU PF Copac co-chair)
2. Donor community (Alternative)
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitution revision. Highlights donors’ support for the exercise. However, report fails to relate Mangwana’s assertions that reports of intimidation in some areas were part of propaganda meant to derail the process to the situation on the ground.
|
|||||||
|
Chronicle
June 17
|
Pressure group drags Copac to court
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
1.Sherperd Mazibisa (lawyer)
2.Qhubekani Dube (Ibhetshu lika Zulu)
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitution making. Report based on a court case in which three members of a Bulawayo-based civic organisation (Ibhetshu lika Zulu) are seeking an order compelling Copac to reinstate them as rapporteurs in constitutional outreach teams, after allegedly being unfairly omitted from the final teams for the exercise.
|
|||||||
|
Chronicle
June 16
|
Principals to launch outreach programme
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
1. Douglas Mwonzora (MDC-T Copac co-chair)
2. Paul Mangwana (ZPF Copac co-chair
|
|||
Analysis: Preview of the constitutional outreach launch. Highlights the administrative modalities of the constitution’s revision, such as the budget outline for the exercise and MPs’ demands for an increase in allowances. Balanced.
|
|||||||
|
Chronicle
June 17
|
Outreach programme launched
|
News story
|
Page 2
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
3. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitutional reforms. Highlights statements by principals in the inclusive government calling for a violence-free constitution-making process although story does not reconcile these calls with persistent reports of violence, especially in rural areas, allegedly committed by ZANU PF.
|
|||||||
|
Chronicle
June 19
|
MDC-Mutambara wants devolution of power
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
Nhlanhla Dube
(MDC-M)
|
|||
Analysis: Party politics. Favourable coverage of MDC-M campaign activities. Outlines the party’s expectations in a new constitution, which reportedly include proportional representation and unlimited Presidential powers.
|
|||||||
|
The Manica Post
June 18
|
‘Constitution must serve Zimbabweans
|
News story
|
Page 6
|
Didymus Mutasa
(ZANU PF)
|
|||
Analysis: Party publicity. Favourable coverage of ZANU-PF’s campaign activities in Mutare where it reports Mutasa talking about the party’s position on constitutional reforms.
|
|||||||
|
Sunday News
June 20
|
Political vultures feast on new constitution
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
1. Methuseli Moyo
(ZAPU)
2. Simba Makoni (Mavambo leader)
3. Edwin Ndlovu (MDC-M)
4. Paul Mangwana (ZANU PF COPAC co-chair)
5. President Mugabe
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitution revision. Balanced. Records Mavambo and ZAPU officials’ displeasure at the financial demands of MPs in outreach teams, among others. Provides ZANU- PF and MDC-M the chance to respond to these complaints.
|
|||||||
|
NewsDay
June 16
|
Copac battles to sort out allowances
|
News story
|
Page 5
|
1. Kudakwashe Bhasikiti
(Chairperson for Parliamentary Welfare Committee, ZANU PF)
2. Gift Chimanikire
(MDC-T)
|
|||
Analysis: Follow-up to the allowance impasse between Copac and legislators. Reports Copac as “frantically” trying to sort out allowances following the intervention of coalition principals. However, the matter is reported through the eyes of the MPs’ representatives without seeking comment from Copac.
|
|||||||
|
News Day
June 17
|
Trio drags Copac to court
|
News story
|
Page 5
|
Affidavit
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitutional reforms. Report based on a court case in which three members (Qhubani Moyo, Mqondisi Moyo and Pathisani Nondo) of Bulawayo-based civic group, Ibhetsu LikaZulu, are seeking a High Court Order to nullify Copac’s decision to exclude them from the outreach exercise after they were initially selected to be part of the programme.
|
|||||||
|
NewsDay
June 17
|
Confusion reigns at Copac launch
|
News story
|
Page 4
|
1. President Mugabe
2. Prime Minister Tsvangirai
3. Arthur Mutambara
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of rewriting the constitution. Report based on the launch of the outreach programme at the Harare International Conference Centre (Harare), which it depicted as “shabbily” organised, citing the “several hours” invited dignitaries had to endure waiting outside the venue for the launch. No attempt is made to access the views of Copac.
|
|||||||
|
NewsDay
June 18
|
No more discussion on Copac allowances
|
News story
|
Page 3
|
Welshman Ncube
(Member of Constitutional Parliamentary Management Committee, MDC-M)
|
|||
Analysis: Follow-up to the allowance deadlock between Copac and lawmakers. Reports Ncube declaring discussions on the matter as closed after a “binding decision” was made to pay MPs daily allowances of $25 each and not the $75 they were demanding. Single sourced. No confirmation of this from the legislators.
|
|||||||
|
The Zimbabwean On Tuesday
June 15
|
Constitutional team labelled fraudsters
|
News story
|
Page 13
|
National Constitutional Assembly Statement
|
|||
Analysis: Statement-based report in which the NCA attacks Copac as comprising “greedy politicians” using the constitutional reforms as a vehicle for self-aggrandisement. Also attacks ZANU PF for allegedly launching a “reign of terror” to coerce the citizenry into endorsing the Kariba Draft as the reference document during constitution rewriting. Accused not accorded right of reply.
|
|||||||
|
The Financial Gazette
June 17
|
Constitution-making process challenged
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
1. Affidavit
2. Sindiso Mazibisa
(Lawyer)
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitutional reforms. Report based on a court case in which three members (Qhubani Moyo, Mqondisi Moyo and Pathisani Nondo) of Bulawayo-based civic group, Ibhetsu LikaZulu, are seeking a High Court Order to nullify Copac’s “inexplicable” decision to exclude them from the outreach exercise after they were initially selected.
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The Financial Gazette
June 17
|
A disgrace!
|
Editorial Comment
|
Page 8
|
Paper’s voice
|
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Analysis: Paper’s view of the allowance wrangle between MPs and Copac. Condemns MPs’ demands for a raise in their daily allowances as an “embarrassment”, arguing that they should not seek to enrich themselves at the expense of a national cause. Editorial also raises other policy issues crippling constitutional reforms, such as funding constraints and political squabbling among the coalition partners.
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The Financial Gazette
June 17
|
Contentious issues dog constitution making process
|
News story
|
Page 13
|
1. Rindai Chipfunde-Vava
(Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network)
2. Magondonga
Mhlangu
(Women of Zimbabwe Arise)
3. Lovemore Madhuku
(National Constitutional Assembly)
4. Tom Mulisa
(Kenyan Masters Law student)
|
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Analysis: Fairly sourced. Captures analysts’ viewpoints on how best to deal with the so-called “ contentious issues” such as gay rights and presidential powers, among other issues, which have dominated the constitutional debate. In addition, they proposed sectional voting in the referendum to avoid a repeat of 2000, where Zimbabweans rejected the then proposed constitution.
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The Zimbabwean On Thursday
June 17
|
Constitutional process gets underway at last
|
News story
|
Page 2
|
1. Paul Mangwana (ZANU PF Copac co-chair)
2. Unnamed source
3. Maddock Chivasa (National Constitutional Assembly)
4. Japhet Moyo
(Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union)
5. Morgan Komichi (MDC-T)
|
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Analysis: Balanced and widely sourced. Highlights concerns by civic society about the administrative logistics of the outreach programme such as demands by legislators for increases in their allowances and the timing of the exercise.
|
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|
The Zimbabwean On Thursday
June 17
|
‘We know nothing, say rural folk
|
News story
|
Page 2
|
1. Tambudzai Chigumira (ordinary person)
2. Mark Sibindi (ordinary person)
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitutional rewriting. Simplistic. While headline gives the impression that report captures the anxiety of a sizeable number of villagers over their lack of awareness on the constitutional process, it is poorly sourced. Only quotes two ordinary members of the public to convey a whole community’s concerns.
|
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|
The Zimbabwean On Thursday
June 17
|
‘Neutral’ venues invaded by thugs
|
News story
|
Page 7
|
1. Charity Mauyakufa (MDC-T)
2. Douglas Mwonzora (MDC-T Copac co-chair)
|
|||
Analysis: Violence report. Uncorroborated. Reports villagers alleging intimidation by ZANU PF youths in Mutare with the youths said to have invaded some of the venues that were announced by COPAC. Only quotes MDC-T official confirming the violence without seeking independent corroboration.
|
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|
The Zimbabwean On Thursday June 17
|
Think about tomorrow
|
Editorial comment
|
Page 8
|
Paper’s voice
|
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Analysis: Paper’s view on constitution-making. Draws public attention to the importance of the constitutional reform exercise. Also advises ZANU PF against use of violence to force the public into supporting their party’s position on constitution-making.
|
|||||||
|
The Zimbabwean On Thursday
June 17
|
Police demands affect constitution process
|
News story
|
Page 11
|
1. Douglas Mwonzora (MDC-T Copac co-chair)
2. Paul Mangwana (ZANU-PF Copac co-chair)
3. Andrew Phiri
(Zimbabwe Republic Police)
|
|||
Analysis: Update on police’s demands for payment for providing security during the outreach programme. Apart from quoting Mwonzora saying Copac’s job was not to “fundraise for the police”, the story does not say whether the committee was still going to pay the police the $3m they were demanding. It merely reported the police as having reduced the number of police details to be deployed during the outreach programme from 1 000 to 350.
|
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|
Zimbabwe Independent
June 18
|
ZANU PF out to defend Mugabe’s position
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
1. ZANU PF position paper
2. President Mugabe
3. MDC position paper
|
|||
Analysis: Party politics. Detailed report on ZANU PF and MDC-T’s expectations in a new constitution. Also gives an update of new cases of alleged intimidation of the public by war veterans into supporting ZANU PF’s position on constitution making.
|
|||||||
|
Zimbabwe Independent
June 18
|
Take it or leave it, MPs told
|
News story
|
Page 4
|
1.Welshman Ncube (Minister MDC-M)
2. Edward Mkhosi (Copac co-chairperson MDC-M)
3. Gift Chimanikire (Welfare committee member MDC-T)
4.Douglas Mwonzora (Copac co-chairperson MDC-T)
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of the constitutional reforms, which highlights the MPs’ demands for increased allowances. Balanced.
|
|||||||
|
Zimbabwe Independent
June 18
|
Constitution outreach doomed
|
Editorial comment
|
Page 8
|
Paper’s voice
|
|||
Analysis: Fair analysis. Highlights obstacles to the constitution-making exercise posed by ZBC and the security forces’ inclination to ZANU PF, including the coalition parties’ failure to reach common ground on outstanding issues under the power-sharing agreement.
|
|||||||
|
The Standard
June 20
|
ZANU PF plot to scrap PM’s post
|
News story
|
Lead story
|
Douglas Mwonzora
(MDC-T Copac co-chair)
|
|||
Analysis: Party politics. Reports on the existence of an alleged ZANU PF document designed to guide party supporters answer questions in line with the party’s position on constitutional reforms during the public consultation phase of the exercise. Reportedly, the document pushes for an Executive President with extensive powers and the abolition of the Prime Minister’s post. Single sourced. Claims efforts to obtain comment from ZANU PF were unsuccessful.
|
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|
The Zimbabwean On Sunday
June 20
|
ZANU steps up intimidation
|
News story
|
Page 1
|
Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (ZESN)
|
|||
Analysis: Violence report. Single-sourced. Report based on ZESN’s observations of intimidation of people in rural areas, mostly by ZANU PF. No attempt to seek ZANU PF comment or police corroboration of the allegations.
|
|||||||
|
The Zimbabwean On Sunday
June 20
|
Constitutional reforms, MDC’s only hope!
|
News story
|
Page 5
|
1. John Makumbe
(Political Scientist)
2. Eldred Masunungure
(Political Scientist)
|
|||
Analysis: Report reproduced from online news agency ZimOnline. Reports analysts presenting constitutional reforms as an opportunity for MDC-T to get more concessions from ZANU PF, which they said remained reluctant to share power. No explanation about how the MDC-T would gain power through the exercise.
|
|||||||
|
The Zimbabwean On Sunday
June 20
|
Civil society monitors outreach exercise
|
News story
|
Page 5
|
Joint statement by Zimbabwe Peace Project, ZESN and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
|
|||
Analysis: Update on the administrative modalities of constitution making. Statement-based report. Announces the deployment by civil society of monitors to evaluate whether the constitutional outreach programme is “democratic and the outcome…a true reflection of the people’s wishes”.
|
|||||||
|
The Zimbabwean On Sunday June 20
|
Ban violence or shut up Mr President
|
Editorial comment
|
Page 8
|
Paper’s voice
|
|||
Analysis: Comment questions the sincerity of President Mugabe’s calls for peace and a violence-free environment during the public consultation stage of constitution revision in light Zimbabwe’s history of violence, especially during elections.
|
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Print summary
ZIMPAPERS published 12 stories: 10 news stories, one opinion piece and one editorial comment. The most heard political party was ZANU PF, which was cited seven times followed by MDC-T (five times) and MDC-M (three).
The most heard political voices were those of President Mugabe (four times) and ZANU PF Copac co-chair Paul Mangwana (three).
PRIVATE PAPERS carried 21 stories, consisting 17 news stories and four editorial comments. The preferred source of information was ZANU PF (five times) followed by MDC-T (four) and MDC-M (three).
The most heard individual was MDC-T Copac co-chair Douglas Mwonzora (four times).
End/
| Attachment | Size |
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| Copac Media report 2010-18.doc | 291.5 KB |