In Constitution Watch 12/2013 dated 4th March we listed incorrect [much too low] application and temporary accreditation fees for foreign media practitioners. The latest Statutory Instrument setting the current fees is available on request from veritas@mango.zw
The correct fees payable to Zimbabwe Media Commission [ZMC] for accreditation of foreign media practitioners are as follows:
Media Practitioners from SADC per individual for 60 days
Application fee $50
Accreditation fee $30
Media Practitioners from other African countries per individual for 60 days
Application fee $50
Accreditation fee $100
Media Practitioners from rest of world per individual for 60 days
Application fee $50
Accreditation fee $250
Extension of Accreditation for Foreign Media Practitioners
For all categories per individual $100
The ZMC offices are situated in the Media Centre in the grounds of the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre. ZMC telephone number is Harare 253509.
Prior Clearance by Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity
All foreign media practitioners need a clearance letter from the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity to present when applying for accreditation from ZMC. Accreditation will not be granted without it.
If a foreign media practitioner needs a Visa to enter the country, this will not be granted without this clearance letter from the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity.
An application for a clearance letter should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary for Media, Information and Publicity, P.O. Box CY1276, Causeway, Harare or by email to commint09@gmail.com and should state full personal details, passport number, reason for application and period of clearance applied for.
We should also draw the media’s attention – both local and foreign – to the following:
Broadcasting or Publication of False or Misleading Information
If it comes to the attention of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission that any broadcaster [including the public broadcaster ZBC] or print publisher [newspaper or magazine] that any YES or NO campaigner is publishing information on the Referendum question [YES/NO to the draft constitution] that ZEC thinks is either:
• materially false or incorrect; or
• likely to prevent a substantial number of voters from making an informed choice in the Referendum
ZEC may by written notice order the broadcaster or published concerned to cease publishing the information or alter the information to make it accurate and fair, or to retract or correct the information in a way directed by ZEC in its notice. Failure to comply immediately is an offence attracting a fine of up to $300,00 or one year’s imprisonment. [New Referendums Regulations, SI 26/2013, section 12]
Post published in: Politics