Mozambique: Chissano backs media in local languages

Former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano says vernacular media don't have to be divisive, they can be used to unite a nation, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.

 

He further told off critics of sensational journalism arguing it offers another angle to casual stories.

 

"As it is practiced in moderation. I see no problem with sensational media," he said.

 

Chissano was speaking at the Pan African Media Forum that closed in Nairobi Friday. He said while vernacular languages could divide a country along ethnic lines, they can also foster harmony.

 

Chisano said countries were free to choose which languages to use, arguing there are values in native languages that should not be lost.

 

The former president gave an example of Mozambique where citizens sought to discover values colonialists destroyed before independence.

 

"We were trying to discover and bring together values from each language and culture," he said. It was important for the media to work together to preserve peace and security.

 

He said the media have an enormous role in the promotion of social equity and development.

 

Chisano said the media should create a link between state institutions and the people and between citizens themselves.

 

"It is the responsibility of the media to promote real democracy and keep unity of the country. It should also enhance the creation of a nation," Chissano said.

 

He said democracy is the possibility and capacity to participate in leadership. Chissano said peace, security were very crucial to Africa.

 

 

- March 23, 2010 by Dennis Itumbi

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Source: www.journalism.co.za/index.php (accessed on 23.03.10)