Barbaric minister Owen Ncube bans journalists from Midlands govt functions

GWERU – In a startling move that has ignited widespread condemnation, Midlands Minister of State and Devolution Affairs, Owen Ncube, has barred journalists from The Mirror and NewsDay from all government functions in the province.

The banishment of Sydney Mubaiwa, The Mirror‘s Midlands Bureau Chief, and Stephen Chadenga from NewsDay occurred during a meeting organized by the Gender Commission, held at the Minister’s boardroom in Gweru.

Ncube, also known as Mudha, singled out the journalists for representing newspapers that, in his view, criticize the government.

In a scene described as confrontational, he demanded the journalists to identify themselves, then promptly ordered them to leave the premises.

“Who invited you here?” he questioned, asserting, “We are building the country and discussing government business, and you are not welcome here.”

The incident, witnessed by other attendees, saw Ncube’s security escorting Mubaiwa and Chadenga out of the meeting.

Notably, he expressed disdain for their presence, stating, “You are not wanted at any other Government function.”

Additionally, Ncube questioned the relevance of a local newspaper journalist’s presence, suggesting their attendance had no bearing on the proceedings.

Gender boss apologises to Owen Ncube

Gender Commission Chairperson Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe, who had extended invitations to the journalists ahead of the meeting, apologized for the Minister’s actions, expressing embarrassment over the ordeal.

However, Gender Commission Chief Executive Officer Virginia Muwanigwa declined to comment on the matter when approached by The Mirror.

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) have both strongly condemned Ncube’s actions, labeling them as a violation of press freedom and constitutional rights.

ZUJ President George Maponga emphasized that journalism is not a crime and asserted the union’s commitment to resisting any attempts to segregate journalists based on their media affiliations.

Efforts to obtain comments from Minister of Information Jenfan Muswere and Zimbabwe Media Commission Executive Secretary Godwin Phiri were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and access to information in Zimbabwe, with calls for accountability and respect for constitutional rights in the treatment of journalists covering public events.