ZIMBABWE ZIMBABAWE SUMMARY IN NUMBERS Institution Website Request for information Total score Ministry of Finance 13 0 13 ZCFU 7 16 23 Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education 4 2 6 PSC 10 2 12 TIMB 14 18 32 ZHRC 11 18 29 ZRP 6 4 10 GMB 11 18 29 NetOne 13 3 16 ZACC 4 15 19 RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS From the sample survey, one is inclined to conclude that the majority of institutions remain rather closed and averse to placing information in the public domain. Compared to previous studies where websites have been rather poor, the departments selected this year had relatively well-managed websites. Most of them however fell below standards expected from organisations of such stature. This year there were both extremes. Either an organisation performed well or it performed dismally. THE MOST SECRETIVE PUBLIC INSTITUTION IN ZIMBABWE The surveyed institutions have a long way to go towards transparency and opening themselves up to public scrutiny. Most of them can easily be classified as secretive after most of them failed to respond to written requests for information. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is the Most Secretive Public Institution after they scored 6/40. THE MOST OPEN PUBLIC INSTITUTION IN ZIMBABWE Some organisations promptly responded to information requests electronically and called the researcher to give answers to written questions. The TIMB has a very vibrant website and responded to questions promptly through a designated public relations manager. The GMB has a less vibrant website but their personnel promptly attended to information in a friendly and helpful manner. Based on the research findings, the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) is the Most Open Public Institution of those surveyed after scoring an impressive 32/40. The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is second scoring 29/40. The GMB ties with the Human Rights Commission but the GMB invited us to their offices and answered questions to the best of their ability. They did not respond to written electronic or printed requests for information. The Zimbabwe Republic Police follows as second most secretive institution, requesting that written questions be submitted to them despite written questions already having been sent to them without any response. The website remains badly managed. Officials at the Public Service Commission refused to give any information on anything asked of them electronically, orally or printed. Their website is the only positive that could be taken. 117