A contribution to the disinformation and misinformation debate in Zimbabwean science communication

Abstract

Drawing on African philosophy and indigenous theory, this article is aimed at examining, through views and perceptions of Zimbabwean journalists and scientists, the problem of misinformation and disinformation in science communication. This qualitative study gathers empirical data through in-depth interviews with purposively selected journalists and scientists from Zimbabwe. It is argued that Zimbabwean indigenous knowledges could be instrumental in addressing the problem of misinformation and disinformation in science communication in the country. In other words, adopting Zimbabwean-African values embedded in Ubuntu media ethics can potentially be the panacea to misinformation and disinformation problems riddling science communication.