From the outset, let me point out that the said 'opinion' article was indeed authored by myself and that the information carried therein relates to my own observations and experiences at the University of Zimbabwe during my time as an undergraduate political science student there in 1998.

Let me shed some light on how this piece came to appear on this website last week. I received a routine email from SW Radio Africa advertising their weekly interview for the programme 'Behind the Headlines' with former Zengeza Member of Parliament, Tafadzwa Musekiwa.

As a journalist myself, I appreciate the importance of objective and thorough research in news production and enjoy reading or listening to a well-rounded piece of news. In this spirit, I have often taken time to contribute information and ideas on topics that I am familiar with to media that I am a follower of, including SW Radio Africa's BTH programme. With respect to the latter, I have previously contributed my views on student activism in Zimbabwe ahead of an appearance on the same programme by former student leaders Daniel Molokele and Nelson Chamisa.

So, naturally, when the presenter/producer of the programme, Lance Guma, sent out emails advertising the Musekiwa interview last week I felt quite comfortable to assist him with what I regarded as useful background information. Having worked in the media in Zimbabwe at the time of Musekiwa's departure and witnessed the swirling speculation surrounding the reasons for his flight, and the fact that I was a participant observer in the political developments that launched his political career in the first place, I felt qualified to forward my personal perspective on the topic to Guma, intending him to research into it and, if possessing any value in his judgement, use the information in his interview with Musekiwa, thereby giving the man the opportunity to address these issues.

I was, therefore, quite astounded when I logged onto this website to find my private email communication to Guma appearing as an 'opinion' article. That it was my opinion is not denied, rather the emphasis is on PRIVATE opinion. Journalists - and even ordinary readers - must surely be aware of the professional imperatives to which journalistic works must adhere. This 'opinion' article did not reflect that professional streak; the language and tone I used were casual, colloquial and consistent with the style of personal/private correspondence.

While those familiar with the issues I raised know them to be accurate, I will be the first to admit that the style of the said 'opinion' article appeared quite unjournalistic. I have since received a threatening email - as well as a congratulatory one - from a reader accusing me of maliciously exposing other people's dirty linen in public. My worry is not that these details have now been placed in the public domain; rather, my concern is the manner and style in which this has been done. It flies in the face of the principles of the profession with which I am proud to be associated.

Guma has since apologised to me for releasing the contents of our private communication to the reading public and I appreciate his acceptance of my concerns over this incident. To Musekiwa and others whose names appeared in the said article, I hope I have given sufficient explanation concerning its appearance on this website last week.
Feedback: Chofamba@yahoo.co.uk

LANCE GUMA RESPONDS: Behind the Headlines is not in any way a private programme produced by myself for the benefit of my close friends and family. It is a programme broadcast back to Zimbabwe for the general public. Individuals and issues which dominate the news feature prominently on it and everything about it is public. The e-mail messages that advertise it come from the station e-mail accounts and not my private e-mail address which my friends know. I do not know how when Chofamba Sithole responded to a publicly broadcast programme and aired his views he expected me to know he wanted them private. I have offered him an apology merely on the basis of not knowing he wanted his contribution private. The programme itself is very public and so is the feedback. Newspapers like The Zimbabwean and the website New Zimbabwe.com generally pick up on the interviews I do and so is the feedback. Its more like writing a letter to the Editor of a newspaper and then complaining you did not want it published when you never mentioned it in your letter. Chofamba's contributions are very valued in my opinion and will remain so.
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