ZIMBABWE / PROMOTING FREE EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
The Zimbabwean government through the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has called for applications for broadcasting services licences for three main categories namely: free to air national commercial television broadcasting service, free to air community radio broadcasting service and campus radio stations.
The Zimbabwe government needs to urgently prioritise the transformation of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and review and amend the Broadcasting Services Act, in line with the country's Constitution and other regional and international instruments.
On 31 January 2020, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services gazetted two Statutory Instruments. SI 26 of 2020 regulates Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Services while SI 27 of 2020 regulates issues relating to Licensing and Content.
The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) in conjunction with MISA Zimbabwe welcomes the release of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services’ report on the Freedom of Information Bill.
Statistics from three recent publications paint a sober picture of internet access, use and freedom in Zimbabwe.
MISA Zimbabwe urges the government to take steps towards ensuring a safe working environment for media practitioners.
The official endorsement of 28 September as the Right to Know Day is an opportunity the government should seize to domesticate international instruments.
We have just published an analysis of the right to privacy, interception of communications and surveillance laws in Zimbabwe.
This year’s Right to Know Day comes at a timely moment for Zimbabwe following the gazetting of the country’s Freedom of Information Bill.
MISA Zimbabwe urges the Zimbabwean authorities and the police to swiftly investigate the case involving the reported assault and abduction of Bustop TV comedian Samantha Kureya by unidentified armed men from her home in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mufakose.