Do you think the foreign press exaggerates in its reports on Zimbabwe?
The authorities, you will find, tend to argue along those lines, but for the majority of Zimbabweans the view seems to be that the foreign press isn’t doing enough. So the truth must be located somewhere in between. The press, whether local or foreign, can only reflect the everyday reality of a given situation. You can never exaggerate reality because it is self-evident to everyone.
What is your opinion of South Africa’s coverage of the unstable political and economical situation in Zimbabwe?
The interest the South African media has shown in Zimbabwe is healthy and helps to inform South Africans and their government. As neighbours, I think this is only proper. Out of the concerns registered in the coverage some good will emerge as various players suggest a diversity of scenarios on the way forward.
Why do you think your newspaper is still allowed to appear on the streets?
I really would not know. But what we are certain of is that if the authorities could find a water-tight case against us, they would move in swiftly, especially going into an election. We believe they would rather only their voice was heard. It is also possible that because we come out once a week, the authorities can tolerate our continued existence. But it is also convenient for the authorities. They can always turn around and claim they have media plurality in the country!
However, the history of the former Eastern bloc countries shows that certain critical publications were tolerated because they were deemed targeted at a specific readership. If we were a daily and mass publication, the reaction would be different, we suspect.
Do you think the repercussions of your job will eventually catch up with you?
Our major pre-occupation is to be able to reflect accurately, truthfully and honestly what is happening in our country, our society. We find this to be the surest and safest guarantee in our work.
Do you ever hold back on certain stories for safety reasons?
The only instances we hold back on stories is if we believe a story has holes, lacks evidence and does not reflect the two opposing sides. If as a newspaper you do not run a story, your readers are going to want to know why and the danger is it could impact adversely on your credibility and the fearless nature of your work. For every story that comes to a media organisation, there is someone who draws attention to it and then there is someone who knows what really happened. These people will watch to see how the story is treated (or mistreated).
How has your newspaper’s circulation and advertising revenue changed over the past 10 years?v
The environment we operate in affects everyone. So we are not an exception.
You attended the World Newspaper Congress in Cape Town. What are your views on the new newspapers that have recently launched in South Africa?
I was able to get hold of several different issues of The Times. I think it is an interesting venture, one that has enormous potential. There is so much to cover and you cannot do justice by waiting for one day a week. But more significantly, their launch preceded a careful assessment of the readiness of the market for additional publications. It’s good to witness such opportunities and growth. It’s good for South African media, because the more interpreters, the better.
Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of Zimbabwe and why?
Definitely, absolutely, positively optimistic. While it may take time, things will return to normal, eventually. There is a certain sense and degree of satisfaction in knowing that one is part of that process however minor one role is in the scheme of things.