of an independent converged broadcasting, ICT, cellular and telecommunications regulatory authority. The long term viability of the broadcasting, telecommunications and ICT sectors lies in securing the independence of their regulatory frameworks. The argument for the independence of regulators in the field of telecoms, broadcasting and technological convergence is guided by several regional and continental covenants such as the African Charter on Broadcasting (ACB), Declaration on the Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa and the SADC Protocol on Culture, Information and Sport. Need for an Independent Regulatory Authority. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is hailed as a model independent regulator on the continent. It is MISA-Zimbabwe’s argument that the manner in which the Zimbabwean regulators namely the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) under the BSA, the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, and Media and Information Commission under AIPPA, are constituted makes them susceptible to direct political interference. AIPPA through the MIC imposes statutory regulation in breach of the Banjul Declaration on the Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa while BAZ is hostage to the whims and dictates of the Executive in violation of the African Charter on Broadcasting. These bodies need to be replaced by a truly independent communications regulator that will oversee these sectors. This new regulator’s independence must be guaranteed by the law and must have financial, structural and functional independence in order to regulate the sector effectively and impartially for the development of the ICT sector to be guaranteed. Access to Information Regulation should only be undertaken for purposes of promoting freedom of speech and access to information. The extent to which a country is said to be democratic is the extent to which it is seen to actively promote free expression and communication between the people and their leaders through such institutions as the media. One of the ways of promoting free expression and communication is through the creation of an enabling environment for media freedom through, among other considerations, establishing a truly independent regulator to regulate the country’s communications sector in the public interest, free of any political, commercial or individual self-interest. The government in general in its quest to come up with a national ICT Bill should be guided by the following principles that govern the operations of independent regulatory bodies: · there should be clear separation of powers, with the government being responsible for policy development, an independent body being responsible for the implementation of policies and regulating the sector whilst privately owned media concentrates on service provision. · regulation should be done in the public interest, with the aim of: creating and maintaining order in the sector, establishing fair competition and quality service, promoting free speech, access to information as well as consumer protection. · providing distinct legal mandate of the regulator’s duties and responsibilities, free of ministerial, commercial or private control. 12