The MISA Transparency report for 2020 comes at a time when the world at large is under lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Inevitably, this has had an effect on the right of access to information in Zimbabwe.
Access to information
Environmental Management Agency most open institution in Zimbabwe
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Regional), has been conducting research and studies since 2009 to establish the difficulty with which citizens in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) can access public information.
Malawi’s information law finally comes into effect
The government of Malawi has set 30 September 2020 as the day when its Access to Information Act comes into operation, almost three years after it was signed into law.
New private television stations should reflect diversity in ownership
The shortlisting of applicants for interviews for private television stations by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) is a welcome development that should end the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s (ZBC) monopoly of the television sector.
Worrying trend on media clampdown continues in Tanzania
Tanzania has announced a new set of regulations for foreign media in a continuing and worrying trend of clamping down on freedom of expression and media freedom.
New information law should set pace for repeal of other draconian laws
The signing into law of the Freedom of Information Act as part of the processes of repealing the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) is a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s law reforms agenda.
SADC govts should cushion media against COVID-19 threats
While the media, particularly print, have been able to innovate and survive these challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic presents an existential threat to an industry that was already limping in the SADC region.
Information and Internet Rights in Zimbabwe report available now!
This research was compiled by Izak Minnaar, to assist MISA Zimbabwe to strategically advocate for the right to access information and the internet, using the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms and other advocacy instruments.
Zimbabwe: Protecting media freedom and access to information in 2020
MISA Zimbabwe shares its Way Forward recommendations for defending media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information to mark World Press Freedom Day 2020.
High Court orders information access on COVID-19
High Court judge Justice Mafusire has ordered the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to promote citizens’ access to information pertaining to Coronavirus.