MISA ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Impact The initiative yielded immediate impact as one of the public institutions rated as the most closed in terms of the report, Chitungwiza Municipality, responded favourably to subsequent information requests that were made after the launch of the report. For instance, Chitungwiza Residents Trust asked for the 2019 Budget and this was promptly delivered. In the wake of an ensuing conflict between wildlife and humans, in Chibuwe, Chipinge District, access to information platforms supported by MISA Zimbabwe managed to facilitate the formation of a CAMPFIRE (Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources), project in the area. Informations Hubs As part of its efforts to increasing access to information and knowledge across societies through the availability of Information Communication Technology facilities such as the Internet, MISA Zimbabwe launched Information Hubs (WIFI hotspots) in Gweru, Gwanda, Nyanga and Lupane. Impact The establishment of Information Hubs was timely as it came in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as community members comprising among others, local teachers, parliamentarians, relied on the facilities to access information, share and spread awareness on the pandemic. In June 2020, during a feedback community meeting in Lupane, the Member of Parliament for Lupane West Honourable Martin Khumalo highlighted that he used the MISA Zimbabwe Wi-Fi hotspot at Tshongokwe Business Centre to follow proceedings of the cabinet meetings and to conduct online meetings. Parliament was also conducting its seating virtually and this allowed legislator Khumalo to fully participate in the parliament business. Gwanda Town Acting Mayor Gilbert Dube also commended MISA for establishing the information hubs. “I would like to thank MISA for coming up with this initiative. It was difficult for residents here to access the internet because of the high cost of data. Following the installation of this facility, we will now be able to communicate with the rest of the world”. In Nyanga, the Anglican Church Reverend, Father Ngakwende, also noted that they used the WiFi hotspot to conduct online services and sermons as congregants could not attend the church services due to the coronavirus. To limit visits at a local clinic in Nyanga, nurse Paradzai Nyamuziwa, used the internet to connect with patients and to share coronavirus related information with the community. 19 https://zimbabwe.misa.org