Online Content Creators in Zimbabwe have officially formed an umbrella body, named Zimbabwe Online Content Creators (ZOCC), made up of over 60 different online media organisations, and elected the executive members; to represent their interests as well as promote ethics and professionalism in the online publishing sphere.
The ZOCC Executive was elected last night at the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) offices in Milton Park, Harare. Among the pressing issues that the newly elected executive has to tackle is the lobbying for the promulgation of the ICT Policy, as well as the creation of employment through harnessing of the potential that lies in the digital space.
Online content creators have for a long time, not been taken seriously by society, particularly Government and business, albeit the power and influence that they command in society today. This has also been the fault of the content creators themselves, as many of them have been found wanting in the area of professionalism, integrity and ethics.
As ZOCC, one of our major mandates is to foster the above mentioned values and inculcate a sense of responsibility in content creation. This certainly is a cause for celebration by members of the general public, as they now have a place to report to and seek recourse, in the event that they feel that their rights as citizens have been violated by people in online publishing space.
The VMCZ will act as a guide and custodian of the ZOCC Code of Ethics, which the members themselves came up with, in their previous gatherings, during the conception of this noble initiative.
The time has come for the Online Media Space to contribute positively to the growth of the economy, and employment creation, using the power of the internet. The ICT Industry is currently the most lucrative, profitable and most visible industry this millennium, contributing immensely to the world economy. The richest people and companies in the world right now are those in the technology field, particularly ICTs, and a quick glance at the Forbes Rich List and Fortune 500 company list will confirm this fact.
This means that there is immense potential that is just waiting to be tapped, and coupled with Zimbabwe’s highly literate society, we can lead the revival of the economy. And, as ZOCC we are going to make sure that Online Content Creators fully benefit economically from their talents and skills.
Membership is open to all other players who hadn’t yet come, to come forward and join ZOCC and congratulations to the winners as well as those that contested.
The Outcome of the election is as follows:
President: Toneo Tonderai Rutsito
VP: Nigel Mugamu
SG: Blessed Mhlanga
Spokesperson: Sean M Moyo
Treasurer: Pardon Gatsi
Marketing & PR: Chief Koti
Organising Secretary: Pending (there was a tie and so a run off will be conducted on a date yet to be announced).
Committee Members: John Mokwetsi, Larry Kwirirai, Thembi Zulu and Problem Masau.
