MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) Commissioner Jasper Maphosa has called on journalists to fully grasp the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA), describing them as the crucial link between public institutions and citizens.
Speaking during the official opening of a FoIA training workshop for journalists in Gweru, Maphosa emphasized the media’s role in shaping public discourse and promoting accountability in governance.
“You, as journalists, are the vital link between institutions and the public. You are the ones who transform raw information into meaningful stories, expose hidden truths, and help citizens make informed decisions,” he said. “Therefore, it is not only important but necessary that you fully understand the provisions of this law, how to use it effectively, and how to ensure that the information accessed serves the public interest.”
The workshop, organised to enhance media practitioners’ understanding and application of the FoIA, is part of Zimbabwe’s broader media law reform agenda.
The FoIA replaced the repealed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), aligning the country’s legal framework with Section 62 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to access information.
Maphosa said the Act empowers both the public and the media to hold institutions accountable, encouraging openness and transparency within government departments and public bodies.
He also acknowledged the challenges journalists face in accessing information, including bureaucratic red tape and institutional resistance, but urged participants to use the training to develop practical strategies for navigating these barriers.
“This is not just a workshop; it is a space for empowerment and dialogue. Whether you are reporting from urban centres or remote rural communities, the right to information is your tool,” said Maphosa.
He added that collaboration among journalists, civil society, and government entities was essential in building a culture of openness and responsible information-sharing.
Participants will engage in hands-on sessions aimed at improving their ability to request, interpret, and use information ethically in their reporting, with facilitators drawn from media, and governance sectors.
The workshop is part of ongoing nationwide efforts to ensure that media professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to promote transparency and democracy in Zimbabwe.
