By Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole
City Parking has extended free parking services to state media (Herald, Sunday Mail, H-Metro and Zimbabwe Television Network) and a journalist from Nehanda Radio to buy their silence from reporting against corruption, gross incompetency and professional indecency.
The exemption came after journalists threatened to expose City Parking over the alleged abnormalities.
When contacted for comment, City Parking spokesperson, Francis Mandaza was evasive and failed to justify the reasons behind the exemption offered to journalists and editors.
“It’s not a facility for journalists per se , its for our key stakeholders. People that we have a close working relationship with.” Mandaza responded.
Quizzed if he may share the list of media stakeholders that the City Parking is working with, Mandaza disclosed that he is not at liberty to give the list.
“It is not necessary about which media house Sir. Those we have worked with in one way or the other, we know. It’s unsolicited,” Mandaza added.
This facility has also raised concerns over neutrality, independence and professionalism by various journalists when reporting on corruption and public accountability.
A compiled list sent to City Parking consisting of fifteen journalists (including editors) mainly from state media and a journalist from Nehanda Radio has been submitted to Mandaza with all their vehicle registration numbers meant for exemption.