By Talent Gondo
In a move aimed at promoting democracy and holding public leaders accountable to what they say, Zimbabwe yesterday launched its first ever fact checking platform, ZimFact.
Speaking at the launch of the platform, ZimFact Management Committee Chairperson, Alec Muchadehama said the platform aimed at verifying and reducing the circulation of false data or information some of which ends up being taken as facts by the public including credible organisations.
“Our aim is to discourage public figures, government officials or public and private entities from circulating false information as facts, “ said Muchadehama.
He said the platform would complement the media while holding public and private players and developmental agencies to account over their published data, statistics or information.
“The organisation will be reviewing, verifying and investigating published reports or statements to establish whether they are facts or opinion,” he said.
Muchadehama emphasised the importance of circulating facts instead of falsehoods, adding that peddling lies as fact derailed the developmental agenda.
“The media sometimes picks up some of these statistics and they are then used as fact,” said Muchadehama.
“We understand that facts shapes public opinion and the developmental discourse so citizens should have access to correct and factual information,” he said.
Chris Chinaka, ZimFact Editor in Chief said this platform however sought the cooperation and input of experts from various sectors, who would provide their analysis in their various areas of specialty.
“This is not a platform for competition and we are hoping that through this initiative, there is general accountability and consensus on politicians’ statements and statistics or information circulated as fact,” said Chinaka.
Zimbabwe Editors Forum Chairperson, Dumisani Mleya called on journalists to check and verify facts before publishing their articles.
He said with the advent of the social media, news travelled faster than before and it had a huge impact on people’s lives.
Mleya cited the missing $15 billion diamond money, which was first revealed by the former President Robert Mugabe during his speech, but ended up being referred to as fact.
Patience Zirima, Chairperson of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe emphasised the importance of professionalism among journalists adding that they should verify information which is circulated on social media sources before publishing it as facts.
“Professionalism is key and journalists should strive to follow their Code of Conduct always,” she said.
As the country heads towards the watershed polls in Zimbabwe, there is a tendency by politicians to make unsubstantiated and false claims regarding facts.
However, the launch of this platform will see an end to this .