Veteran journalist Geoffrey Nyarota on Friday launched his fourth book, which details struggles journalists in Zimbabwe face when covering corruption and human rights violations, among other ills.
Nyarota’s book titled: The Journalist as an Outcast: Perils of investigative reporting in Zimbabwe was launched at a well-attended event in Harare.
Alpha Media Holdings chairman Trevor Ncube, who was the guest of honour, applauded the former editor of The Chronicle, Daily News, Zimbabwe Times and Financial Gazette for taking time to write the book that he described as thought provoking.
“After finishing the book I got into a mini depression,” Ncube said.
“The book raises a lot of questions. Do Zimbabweans know the role of journalists?
“Do politicians understand the role of the media?
“Do they understand press freedom?
“Politicians both from Zanu PF and the opposition want journalists they can control.”
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Ncube said the book provides a first hand account of the struggles, dangers and triumphs experienced by journalists who dare to uncover corruption, human rights abuses, and political scandals in the country.
“In the book, Nyarota talks about his encounter with (late MDC-T leader and former prime minister) Morgan Tsvangirai,” he said.
“I also had an encounter with Tsvangirai in Rosebank, South Africa.
“I spoke after he spoke at an event and his aides said he wanted to talk to me.
“By then he looked like someone, who was going to be our leader.
“Honestly, I was disappointed with the kind of conversation that took place.”
Ncube also touched on the issue of how big companies and advertising agencies try to censor media houses by threatening to withdraw advertising if they are negatively covered.
The book offers a comprehensive examination of the various obstacles faced by investigative journalists in Zimbabwe, including censorship, harassment, intimidation, and even physical violence.
Nyarota sheds light on the tactics employed by the government and powerful individuals to silence dissent and suppress investigative reporting, revealing the high personal and professional costs borne by journalists who refuse to be muzzled.
Through a series of compelling narratives and case studies, Nyarota illustrates the critical role played by investigative journalists in holding power to account and safeguarding democratic principles.
He highlights the bravery and resilience of journalists, who risk their safety and livelihoods to expose wrongdoing and injustice, despite facing immense pressure and hostility from those in positions of authority.
At the launch, Nyarota received an order for 600 copies of the book that will be distributed to schools that he attended.
His other books are Against the Grain: Memoirs of a Zimbabwean Newsman, The Graceless Fall of Robert Mugabe: The End of a Dictactor’s Reign and The Honourable Minister: An Anatomy of Endemic Corruption.
