ZIMBABWE / PROMOTING FREE EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
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.
The Zimbabwe Media Commission has assured MISA Zimbabwe that there were no ill intentions on its part with regards to the new accreditation categories and that it would be as flexible as possible when the accreditation process for 2020 commences next week.
MISA Zimbabwe and Media Alliance of Zimbabwe recommend that independence of the Zimbabwe Media Commission be guarded by ensuring that the minister’s powers to interfere with its operations are removed.
Two major media-related pronouncements by the Ministry of Information and the President were made this week.
We have just published a detailed Commentary on the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill, complete with recommendations on further improvements that can still be made on the Bill before it is passed into law.
The government of Zimbabwe on 9 August 2019 gazetted the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill [H.B. 8 of 2019].
MISA Zimbabwe, with the support of undersigned freedom of expression organisations from around the globe, in the spirit of constructive engagement and consultations pertaining to the law reform process, respectfully submits concerns with the gazetted Freedom of Information Bill
Zimbabwe has taken too long to arrive at the point of reviewing undemocratic laws for the people to settle for less.
We have just published a detailed Commentary on the Freedom of Information Bill, complete with recommendations on further improvements that can still be made on the Bill before it is passed into law.
MISA Zimbabwe organised a meeting for editors and senior journalists based in Zimbabwe’s second city of Bulawayo to sensitise them on the proposed new media laws.