Progress can be measured in the context of the gazetting of the Freedom of Information Regulations and
the licensing of more community radio stations.
Commendable and encouraging steps were also taken by the government towards complying with the
High Court orders in enhancing citizens’ right to relevant information on the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is in line with the requisite standards for the provision of access to information on Covid-19 to ensure
members of the public make informed decisions to protect themselves from the virus.
However, the clawback provisions in the Cyber and Data Protection Act promulgated at the end of 2021,
risk eroding the gains made through the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act and undermine
citizens’ right to free expression online and ultimately access to information for informed decisions and
choices.
In that regard, the government should be guided by the findings of the courts which struck down the
criminal offence of publication of falsehoods (criminal defamation) to avoid costly constitutional court
challenges against such provisions.
The other major issue that needs sober consideration is the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO)
Amendment Bill. In its current status, the Bill poses the greatest risk to Zimbabwe’s democratic
credentials.
The government should also seize the opportunity of the proposed Broadcasting Services Amendment
Bill to come up with a democratic broadcasting regulatory framework that allows for a free, independent,
diverse and sustainable broadcasting industry.
As we forge ahead with the implementation of our 2021 - 2025 Strategic Plan, we remain guided and
mindful of the advice of the Chairperson of MISA Zimbabwe’s Board of Trustees, Cris Chinaka, when we
turned 25:
“ While we are rightly celebrating yesterday’s achievements, our major focus should be on tomorrow.
“The cause is simple and straightforward: to work for a media and information ecosystem that serves the
greatest public interest.”
Golden Maunganidze
Chairperson
MISA Zimbabwe

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