Zimbabwean journalist to speak at Stirling University

Sep 18 2009 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Friday

A ZIMBABWEAN labelled an “enemy of the state” and forced to flee the country will analyse his homeland’s current power-sharing agreement in a Stirling talk next week.

Wilf Mbanga, founder and editor of The Zimbabwean and The Zimbabwean on Sunday newspapers, will discuss “Democracy, Journalism and the Search for a New Zimbabwe” at Stirling University next Friday (September 25).

A well-known opposition journalist Mbanga was notified by the Zimbabwean government that, as a result of his writing, he was considered “an enemy of the state” and was forced to leave the country, with his safety remaining in doubt should he ever return.

Dr Jairo Lugo, lecturer in the university’s Department of Film, Media and Journalism, said: “We are delighted to have these speakers. Wilf Mbanga is by all accounts an example for future generations of journalists across the globe and is someone who we must all hear.”

The talk takes place at 1pm in Room G18 of the university’s Pathfoot Building and is open to all but early attendance is recommended.