SHANNISE DZOBO
MASVINGO–Despite serious freedom of press challenges in the country the media in Zimbabwe joins the rest of the nations in commemorating World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) which is held on May 3 every year.
WPFD was established by a proclamation of the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 and is an opportunity for everyone to show solidarity with members of the press, journalists and other media professionals.
The day is also an opportunity for members of the public to salute and honour the journalists and media professionals who have lost their lives while working to disseminate information to the general population.
This year the commemorations are being held under the theme ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights’.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa Zimbabwe (MISA) Chapter in line with the universal theme is celebrating under a localised theme “Freedom of Expression as a Public Good: Pivotal to the Enjoyment of other Rights”
Golden Maunganidze, the MISA regional and Zimbabwe Chapter commended the government for valuing freedom of expression and media diversity in the country and also on the significant progress that has been made through the repeal of the then repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and enactment of the Freedom of Information Act.
“Deepening and entrenching freedom of expression and media freedom in Zimbabwe, as provided for under Section 61 of the Constitution, will go a long way in ensuring that citizens enjoy other rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
“While significant progress has been made through the repeal of the then repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), and enactment of the Freedom of Information Act, which goes a long way in entrenching access to information and freedom of expression, the emergence of claw back provisions in new legislation such as the Cyber and Data Protection Act, is worrisome,” said Maunganidze.
Maunganidze went on to reiterate that the right to freedom of expression should thus be underpinned by citizens that freely express themselves online and offline and through access to a media that operates professionally and without hindrance.
He also said that the government should seriously consider the domestication of the United Nations Plan of Action into Zimbabwe’s legislative framework which promote a conducive working environment for journalists.
Maunganidze also recommended that media houses should swiftly address and correct unprofessional conduct by their journalists and for media practitioners still in practise not to engage in full time politics as this compromises their work.
