These interventions, among others, involved journalism training workshops on election reporting, journalism safety and security (online and offline) and fact-checking. Key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Information, Zimbabwe Media Commission, Zimbabwe Republic Police, journalists, media organisations and political parties were also engaged in that regard. Resultantly, Zimbabwe’s harmonised elections were conducted in a drastically improved media operating environment regarding journalists’ and media workers safety and security. This is evidenced by the massive reduction in media freedom violations, which tend to spike during the country’s election campaign seasons. While we are happy to report on the positive outcomes and impact of these various interventions and actions as showcased in our 2023 Annual Report, more can still be done to secure a conducive media operating environment. The issue of dual accreditation, wherein media practitioners accredited with the Zimbabwe Media Commission are requested to pay additional fees upon being accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for purposes of covering elections, remains of concern. There is also need to revisit provisions of the Cyber and Data Protection Act which impact on free expression and media freedom such as the ones on the transmission of false data messages. This entails increasing awareness on the Freedom of Information Act to ensure citizens are aware of the law and utilise it to enjoy their right to access to information, more so during election periods. Suffice to note that partnerships and collaborations do work as demonstrated through the engagement meetings held with key stakeholders to improve the media operating environment. MISA Zimbabwe therefore extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Media Commission, political parties and our colleagues under the auspices of the representative Media Alliance of Zimbabwe for making that possible. MISA ZIMBABWE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON GOLDEN MAUNGANIDZE 4 MISA Zimbabwe Annual Report 2023