Don’t sideline me: Coltart

News Day

By Nduduzo Tshuma

10 January 2013

EDUCATION minister David Coltart has accused State media of bypassing him to seek comment from his deputy, Lazarus Dokora, on issues concerning the ministry.

Coltart, who is from the Welshman Ncube-led MDC, said while he worked well with Dokora, a Zanu PF official, he suspected the snub could be politically motivated.

“(I am) intrigued by how The Herald is studiously printing comments on education matters from my deputy rather than me, even though I am very contactable,” said Coltart on Twitter.

“I have a good relationship with my Zanu deputy, so that is not the problem. The Herald and Sunday Mail should follow correct protocol.

“In terms of the law, for example the Education Act, it is the minister who is responsible and decides and outlines policy. Newspapers should respect that.”

“Comment from deputy ministers should be obtained in the absence or non-availability of the minister. My cell number is well known.”

The State media has been accused of being biased in favour of Zanu PF in its reporting by the two MDC formations in the inclusive government.

Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe attacked the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), accusing it of being biased towards Zanu PF especially during elections.

Speaking during commemorations to mark the United Nations International Human Rights Day in Harare, Khupe said ZBC should give equal coverage to all political parties and stop being used as a Zanu PF propaganda mouthpiece.

“We want access to information because Zimbabweans are sick and tired of propaganda on ZBC, which is now Zanu PF Broadcasting Corporation, and even Satan does not approve of it,” she said.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai last year told journalists in Bulawayo that he was the worst victim of demonisation by the State media.