MISA Zimbabwe 2024 Annual Report Now Available!

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

In October 2024, MISA Zimbabwe held its elective annual general meeting, which, in accordance with its constitution and corporate governance ethos, ushered in new members to its National Governing Council (NGC).

I was elected unopposed as Chairperson of the NGC, succeeding Golden Maunganidze after the conclusion of his two consecutive three-year terms in office, as stipulated by the MISA Zimbabwe and MISA Regional constitutions, respectively.

On behalf of the new NGC, I would like to pay special tribute to Maunganidze and his resilient team for maintaining the MISA Zimbabwe ship afloat in line with the organisation’s 2021 – 2025 Strategic Plan, mission, vision, and values.

Through their selfless commitment, along with that of the Secretariat, which Dr Tabani Moyo ably and competently leads, the organisation continues to break new ground in its quest to secure a conducive operating environment where citizens can enjoy their rights to freedom of expression and access to information. This 2024 annual report will showcase this.

In this regard, Zimbabwe has observed a decline in instances of media freedom violations, advancing 10 places from 126 in 2023 to 116 in 2024 in Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index rankings and the collaborative State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa report, which tracks the progression of Sustainable Development Goal 16.1 by the MISA Regional Office and the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa. 

This occurred against the backdrop of a decrease in media freedom violations in 2023, leading to an improved media operating environment during Zimbabwe’s 2023 election season.

There is still more to be done to ensure a supportive media operating environment; hence, our commitment to the domestication of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

We therefore reiterate our firm view that the adoption and localisation of the United Nations Plan of Action (UNPA) on the Safety of Journalists, as part of concrete efforts to end impunity for crimes against journalists, will be the icing on the cake that will propel Zimbabwe onto the progressive path of a free and unhindered media.

On the other hand, Zimbabweans are increasingly using the Freedom of Information Act to fulfil their right to access information on issues of concern. This fosters accountability and transparency in the administration of public resources.

The exercise of the right to access information, as stipulated by the Freedom of Information Act, has enabled citizens to enjoy and defend other rights, such as the right to housing, a clean environment, and the resolution of human-wildlife conflict.

This follows extensive training of community-based organisations (CBOs), journalists, and citizens by the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) and MISA Zimbabwe. Likewise, the ZMC has issued release orders to public institutions that must provide the requested information.

However, some public institutions are still to appoint designated information officers or develop information disclosure policies as required by the Freedom of Information Act. This situation continues to undermine citizens’ right to access information.

Our programming in 2024 was also intentionally adjusted to showcase and raise awareness of the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance and transform all sectors of the African social system. 

Africa, including Zimbabwe, should, therefore, approach AI strategically, focusing on its unique challenges and solutions rather than simply replicating techniques from the Global North. 

Collaboration and investment in the public and private sectors are crucial for establishing the necessary infrastructure and promoting capacity building in digital skills. MISA Zimbabwe is working with key stakeholders, including the government, towards that goal. 

We therefore welcome the government’s announcement that a national artificial intelligence (AI) policy framework has now been completed as part of efforts to accelerate digital transformation in Zimbabwe.

Suffice it to say, the great strides and milestones we achieved in 2024 despite the socio-economic and political turbulence we may have encountered would not have been possible without the key partnerships and collaborations we forged with critical stakeholders.

We sincerely appreciate the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Parliament of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Media Commission, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), funding partners, and colleagues under the auspices of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe.

Finally, we would like to give special commendation to our Advocacy Committees and entire membership—brand visibility—for organising and implementing the organisation’s national and grassroots outreach programmes and activities in accordance with our mission, vision, and values. 

MISA Zimbabwe Chairperson

Passmore Kuzipa

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