ZBC wields axe on Muradzikwa as Mugabe gears for poll

ZBC wields axe on Muradzikwa as Mugabe gears for poll

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By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWE'S sole broadcaster, the state-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), signalled a step-up of its propaganda drive for President Robert Mugabe's beleaguered regime when it fired its chief executive officer, Henry Muradzikwa on Wednesday.

Muradzikwa, the former boss of the state-run news agency, Ziana, had only been in the job for 19 months.

His tenure at the ZBC was marked by bruising battles with workers' unions over poor pay, and he once threatened ZBC employees with "state machinery" when they gave notice of industrial action.

Justin Mutasa, the ZBC Board chairperson, said the government, which is the largest shareholder, had expressed "dissatisfaction with the way in which the national broadcaster was handling national issues".

Mutasa said the decision to terminate the veteran newsman's contract followed a board meeting earlier on Wednesday.

He said: “We have parted ways with Muradzikwa. We met with him this afternoon and we reached an agreement that he leaves ZBC. After the meeting we agreed that aziva kwake, aziva kwake (we go our seperate ways)."

Mugabe's government, in power since 1980, uses the ZBC as its official megaphone while refusing to allow independent players into the industry.

The ZBC is often criticised by opposition parties for its bias towards Mugabe's Zanu PF party, and has been known to reject opposition adverts.

Muradzikwa's demise coincided with an announcement by the Zimbabwe government that an overdue presidential election run-off between Mugabe and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai would be held before August 1.

Opposition officials say at least 32 supporters have been killed in violence since the first round of voting on March 29 which failed to produce a clear winner, although parliamentary elections held at the same time confirmed the MDC had overturned Zanu PF's majority.

Now, it appears the MDC will have to comprehend with a renewed propaganda offensive as Muradzikwa's successor seeks to keep Mugabe in power.

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