By Promise Dube
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) says it shall not turn a blind eye on sexual harassment and sexual abuse that has become a cancer and threatens to destroy the media industry.
These sentiments come after the emergence of sexual harassment cases reproted at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) where Director of Radio Services, Robson Mhandu after he demanded sex from a female presenter in order to approve her transfer request from Bulawayo to Harare.
In response to such, the ZMC said they will not tolerate such practices.
“The ZMC is deeply concerned about sexual harassment and sexual abuse that is reported to be rampant in the media sector. The reports received from our interface with practitioners and other stakeholders indicate that the practice has become endemic and deeply entrenched in the media industry,” ZMC in a statement.
ZMC said newsrooms must provide safe spaces for everyone and urged victims to report any kind of violation to police or to any preferred entity within the media sector, victim-friendly units of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, as well as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, among other centres to hold perpetrators to account.
“The ZMC is calling for a zero tolerance to the scourge irrespective of the position, class, status and gender of the alleged perpetrators. There must be safe spaces for everyone in the newsrooms and other workspaces. As the Regulator of the Media Industry in Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe, the ZMC shall not turn a blind eye to the cancer that threatens to destroy the industry,” said the commission.
The commission also urged stakeholders and partners to hold immediate disciplinary hearings following the immediate suspension of the alleged perpetrators so as to make room for unfettered investigations outside the intimidation of alleged victims.
“It goes without saying that the alleged perpetrator will then be expected to stay away from said entity grounds so as to avoid any sort of intimidation of possible victims, as well as witnesses until investigations are complete. It is our hope that validation of the draft sexual traction within the media sector to rid our society of this cancer,” ZMC said.
However, the ZMC added that it will not “tolerate false reports about sexual misconduct” as this may have implications to those who will practice this, a statement that some regarded as ill-conceived given the nature of sexual harassment cases.
“Further it should be noted that the ZMC will not tolerate false reporting of sexual misconduct and harassment in the media fraternity. Should it be found that an individual has falsely accused another of sexual harassment, disciplinary proceedings are to be immediately held, paving way for the suspension of the individual propagating falsehoods.
“Any false report must also be accompanied by a public apology as such allegations can seriously harm one’s professional and social standing thus the ZMC will not be seen to be tolerating such malicious behaviour,” said the commission.
Meanwhile the ZMC also stated it would draft a sexual harassment policy as an effort to professionalise the media industry and make sure there are safe workspaces for all practitioners so as to uphold the good reputation that Zimbabwean media industry has created over the years.
“As part of its continual efforts to professionalise the media industry, as well as create safe workspaces for all our practitioners and stakeholders, the ZMC look forward to adoption and launching of its draft sexual Harassment Policy that has a zero tolerance for any form of sexual abuse.
“The Policy provides the framework for the entire Zimbabwe media industry. It is the ZMC’s sincere hope that all stakeholders remain professional in and outside their workspaces and continue to uphold the good reputation and ethical standards that the Zimbabwean media industry has created over the years,” said the commission.
