However, most speakers said the ZBC should reform its corporate governance structure to ensure accountability in using the funds and transform into a truly independent public broadcaster in a professional manner. Also in contention was the entrenchment of too much power in the minister in the appointment of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe’s board. In Harare, MAZ Chairperson Perfect Hlongwane said appointments to the BAZ board must be conducted transparently and publicly, with all qualified candidates selected on merit, free from political influence. He stated that the Bill necessitated considerable refinement to guarantee independence and transparency in the long-term development of the sector. ACCESS TO INFORMATON AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Public accountability and transparency During the year under review, MISA Zimbabwe, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, made great strides in enhancing citizens’ right to access information. This right is aptly captured by the theme of the 2024 International Day for Universal Access to Information: Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector. This followed intense training of community-based organisations (CBOs), journalists and citizens in general by the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) and MISA Zimbabwe. Citizens are increasingly utilising the Freedom of Information Act to exercise their right to access information on matters of concern, thereby promoting accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. Access to information has empowered citizens to enjoy and defend other rights, such as the right to shelter/housing, a clean environment, and the solution of human-wildlife conflict. Increasingly, appeals are also being lodged with the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) as provided by the law, where requests for information would have been denied. According to the ZMC, some of the appeals were lodged by citizens in rural areas, signaling increased awareness of the right to know. MISA Zimbabwe is, however, concerned that some public institutions still do not appoint designated information officers or develop information disclosure policies as required by the Freedom of Information Act. This situation continues to undermine citizens’ right to access information. While the ZMC noted an increase in the number of appeals lodged by marginalised 7 MISA Zimbabwe Annual Report 2024