Governments in Southern Africa are coming up with several regulations under the pretext of regulating the scourge of misinformation, particularly in the COVID-19 period, yet, they are using these laws to target dissenting voices, civil society, the media and opposition political parties.
Statements
Cyber Bill subject to Parly procedures despite COVID-19 lockdown
The Parliament of Zimbabwe says it will adhere to requisite parliamentary processes following the gazetting of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill notwithstanding the Coronavirus lockdown measures and restrictions.
Content creators file court application against ZMC accreditation
Zimbabwe Online Content Creators Trust (ZOCC) has filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court seeking an order for suspension of the Zimbabwe Media Commission’s accreditation process set to commence in Harare on 26 May 2020.
Regional governments intensify crackdowns on media during COVID-19
As the continent commemorates Africa Day on 25 May, it is worrying that the majority of Southern African countries, typical of fragile states, are taking advantage of the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus to tighten their grip on power.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill entrenches surveillance
MISa Zimbabwe’s analysis of the recently gazetted Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill, 2019.
Govt should prioritise internet affordability as a human right
MISA Zimbabwe is calling for a reduction of data prices and engaging various stakeholders to promote the constitutional right to access to information which plays a crucial role in promoting public health during this time.
Implementing democratic media reforms is not rocket science!
This year’s World Press Freedom Day commemorations come on the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s 40 years of independence and ahead of the 30th anniversary of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration in 2021.
Curbing misinformation in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic
Misinformation about the virus and alleged vaccines against Coronavirus has given rise to unproductive and unwarranted debates on the state of the pandemic, its spread and impact.
Zim High Court orders police not to arrest journalists
Zimbabwe High Court judge Justice Manzunzu on 20 April 2020 ordered the police and other law enforcement agencies charged with enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown not to arrest, detain or interfere “in any unnecessary way” with the work of journalists.
Zimbabwe at 40: Missed opportunities on media democratic front
Zimbabwe celebrates its 40 years of independence on 18 April 2020 against the backdrop of several missed opportunities to entrench the country’s democratic credentials, which is critical to socio-economic development and national prosperity.