It is therefore the VMCZ’s strong view that the Zimbabwean media plays a key role in ensuring that the above cited national challenges are understood in a participatory manner by the Zimbabwean public. In order to perform this democratic role, Zimbabwe’s media must therefore be allowed to function in the best public interest and without undue interference by the state.
In Zimbabwe’s case this would essentially entail that the Government and Parliament must undertake policy reforms that seeks to achieve the following:
1. • The de-criminalization of freedom of expression via the repeal of undemocratic media regulatory laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the Public Order and Security Act (POSA)
2. • The Embracing of media self-regulation as best democratic practice
3. • The recognition and enactment of the right to media freedom as an ancillary to the right to freedom of expression in the constitution
Where the Government and Parliament of Zimbabwe adopts the above cited recommendations, our country’s media environment will be democratically conducive for greater public access to information as well as the greater enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression by all Zimbabweans.
It is also VMCZ’s firm view and belief that media self-regulation is the most democratic solution to challenges that Zimbabwe’s media profession currently faces.
We also believe that all Zimbabwean journalists are capable of reporting fairly, accurately and in the best public interest without the threat of arrest or the criminalisation of freedom of expression. Because of this, we urge all Zimbabweans to actively seek to promote media self-regulation as a key ingredient to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression. By so doing, we will all have remained true to this year's World Press Freedom Day theme and will also have begun to transform Zimbabwe into a truly democratic society.
A. Muchadehama
(VMCZ Board Chairperson)
Post published in: News
To quote the Universal Declaration Human Rights which states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiersâ€. This should not be underestimated as it includes freedom of communication and expression through usage of various electronic media and published materials. Such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state and this right must be preserved through constitutional or legal protection. Zimbabwean journalists are in a state where this freedom should be put in full force and hence every citizen has the right to be informed of the current political and economic situation within the country. State monopoly on TV and radio, existence of censorship as well as barring foreign reporters is far from press freedom we look forward to in Zimbabwe. Lack of Press Freedom within a country is clear indication of a non-democratic state. In these instances we experience existence of non-democratic governments being associated with promoting propaganda critical to maintain an existing political power base and suppress brutal other political parties in opposition through the use of police, military or intelligence agencies. The current Government of National Unity in Zimbabwe should be seen to work tirelessly so as to promote a viable environment for all Zimbabweans so that they would be prepared to go and vote without fear and favour in a non violent atmosphere. World Press Freedom Day should be honoured with respect for a bright future in Zimbabwe.