Theme: Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.
The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) joins all Zimbabweans and the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day. The year 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day since it was proclaimed in 1993.
This year’s commemorations come at a time when Zimbabwe is making preparations towards the holding of harmonized presidential and parliamentary elections.
While the above point to a hectic year ahead for the media, focus should be directed towards issues of media freedom, the safety of journalists and the state of freedom of expression in the country.
Government is commended for developments, within the media, that have taken place in the last two years namely; the repeal of the repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and its replacement with new laws, the licensing of new community radio stations and the introduction of the post cabinet briefings.
However the year 2022 saw the country witnessing an increase in the number of violations against journalists. Media development agencies recorded numerous cases where journalists were assaulted, threatened, harassed at political gatherings and rallies, while others were also barred from covering national events. Other cases of particular concern involved the unlawful arrests and assaults of journalists conducting their lawful professional duties by the police. More grave are threats allegedly made by government officials threatening Zimbabwean journalists with imprisonment if they continue to cover the ‘Gold Mafia’ exposé.
The VMCZ, while commending the government for repealing bad laws, notes with concern the continued retention of claw back clauses that manifest in provisions of new laws, rendering the repealing of repressive laws a multiplication by zero effect. The Public Order and Security Act [POSA] was repealed, but replaced with an almost identical Maintenance of Peace and Order Act. AIPPA was repealed, but the new regulations seek to maintain some of its odious clauses.
The VMCZ continues to call upon the relevant authorities for a favorable type of media regulation to be adopted in the country. While VMCZ remains committed to media self-regulation as a democratic form of ethical, professional, and publicly accountable media, the consensus on co-regulation agreed to by media stakeholders remain a viable option. However the nature of the media co-regulation agreed upon by stakeholders need to be defined and refined on how it should be employed in the Zimbabwean scenario, to avoid arm twisting of other players and to ensure that effective media co-regulation is attained.
As we head towards elections VMCZ urges political parties, civil society organizations and state institutions to respect the right of the media to work freely and without any undue hindrance.
VMCZ also urges political parties and the public at large, that should they have any grievances against professional media in the country, they are welcome to utilize the VMCZ Media Complaints mechanisms.
As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day today VMCZ remains committed to carrying out its mandate as prescribed and supported by media stakeholders, media professionals, civil society organizations and members of the public.
ENDS//
Alec Muchadehama
VMCZ Chairperson
Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe
14 Dan Judson Road, Milton Park, Harare
Tel: 263 4 708035 / 708417
Telefax: 263 4 708035
Cell: 0772125659
https://vmcz.co.zw/
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