SNAPSHOT ZIMBABWE Supporting community broadcasters During the period under review, MISA Zimbabwe assisted community radio stations to produce prerecorded community radio broadcasts to build their capacity and advance the campaign for licensing community radio stations in Zimbabwe. MISA Zimbabwe noted a marked improvement in the overall production of the programmes from the selection of topics, structuring of the programmes and how discussions and interviews were handled. Media ethics workshop World Press Freedom Day march, held by MISA Zimbabwe on 3 May 2013. Photo: MISA Zimbabwe images, 2013. M ISA Zimbabwe’s 2013 programme was largely influenced and informed by the endorsement of the Draft Constitution by the Zimbabwean Parliament following the majority ‘Yes Vote’ in the referendum held on 16 March 2013, and the subsequent signing of the draft into law by President Robert Mugabe. The Chapter intensified its calls for the repeal of laws that impinge on media freedom, freedom of expression and citizens’ right to access to information in line with the Constitution. Some of MISA Zimbabwe’s activities around this included the following. Calling for better legislation MISA Zimbabwe produced fact sheets on regional and international instruments on citizens’ right to freedom of expression and access to information as a lobby tool for the repeal of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other offending laws. The Chapter continued to educate citizens on their right to access to information, holding regular meetings across the country. On 22 June 2013, MISA Zimbabwe held a media ethics workshop focusing on how journalists should report and cover the national elections scheduled for 31 July 2013. The workshop was facilitated by veteran journalist and editor of the Zimbabwe Independent Dumisani Muleya. Thirty-three people from various media organisations across Zimbabwe attended the workshops, which focused on developing skills and knowledge on how to report on elections in a way that fosters democracy. It was recognised that media play an important role in information dissemination, and as such journalists should understand the environment in which they operate, the legislation and regional and international benchmarks on election coverage. Journalists were acquainted with the SADC Guidelines on Media Coverage of Elections as well as safety and security tips. Annual Media Freedom Awards On 29 June 2013, MISA Zimbabwe awarded its 2013 Media Freedom Award to John Masuku, a veteran journalist with Radio Voice of the People (VoP). The radio station was bombed in 2002 and its perpetrators are yet to be brought to justice. The award was given to Masuku in recognition of his immense contribution to the struggle for media freedom, access to information and freedom of expression. 43