Access to information
It is a fundamental human right to ask for and receive, information held by public organisations and bodies. It is critically important to make sure that information held by the public, and in some cases private institutions is available and accessible to citizens in a form and/ or language understandable to them.
MISA Zimbabwe lobbies for the enactment of democratic access to information laws as the right to seek, access and receive information is guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 4 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa. It is also provided for in sections 61 and 62 of the Zimbabwe constitution.
Therefore, this programme seeks to campaign for the public to enjoy their right to be informed through unrestricted access to information.
International Day for Universal Access to information
MISA Zimbabwe commemorates September 28th as International Day for Universal Access to Information. MISA Zimbabwe celebrates Universal Access to Information Day to raise awareness about the importance of the right of access to information in Zimbabwe and throughout the world and cast the spotlight on the challenges that hamper the enjoyment of this fundamental right.
Access to information and knowledge, free expression (online and offline), respect for cultural and linguistic diversity and quality education for all, are key pillars in building knowledge societies.
Access to information news from our chapters
Journalists free to cover the ZEC mobile voter registration exercise
Journalists are free to cover the ongoing Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) mobile voter registration exercise using their Zimbabwe Media Commission-issued press cards. On 13 March 2023, the Centre for Innovation & Technology (CITE), a Bulawayo-based media house...
Malawi should rethink its broadcasting licence regime
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has over the past three months been revoking broadcasting licences and closing radio and television stations for delays in the remittance of broadcasting licence fees. In 2022, MACRA revoked licences for six...
Now Available: State of Access and Use of Community Information Centres in Zimbabwe report
This report presents a study on: The State of Access and Use of Community Information Centres (CICs) in Zimbabwe. Community Information Centres are centres in rural and marginalised communities that are equipped with digital technologies such as computers,...
Freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom critical for credible elections in Southern Africa
By Tabani Moyo Four Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are scheduled for elections in 2023. The four are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. Eswatini stands out among the four nations, as the monarchy has gone...
Call for Applications: IJP German-Southern African Bursary 2023
Dear Colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to the call for applications for this year’s Horst Köhler Fellowship Programme / Southern African Bursary and we kindly ask you to spread the word among fellow journalists. Applications are still possible...