Source: Reforms, press freedom transform Zim media landscape – herald
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Second Republic has undertaken significant media reforms, improving press freedom, promoting access to information and enhancing professional standards.
These sweeping changes align the country’s legal and policy framework with global democratic norms, transforming Zimbabwe’s media environment into one that is more open and conducive to free and vibrant journalism.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, reiterated the Second Republic’s commitment to these efforts, highlighting their critical role in fostering a more transparent and democratic society.
He said one of the most significant steps taken by the Government was the repeal of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), a law widely criticised for suppressing media freedoms.
In its place, the Government introduced progressive legislation that supports transparency and the growth of a diverse media landscape.
“The Second Republic Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa, takes plurality and diversity of the print media and the whole media sector as a major priority as it continues to work tirelessly in creating an enabling environment that encourages and nurtures growth through developing media policies and media law reforms,” said Dr Muswere.
“The Government repealed the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and enacted the following media laws which are expected to enhance media operations in the country: Freedom of Information Act, which grants journalists, Zimbabwean citizens and residents the right to access information held by the Government.
“This is a sharp contrast to the AIPPA, which impinged and stifled access to information by citizens and media houses.”
He said the Zimbabwe Media Commission Act was enacted to enhance professionalism in the industry.
The Act provides for standardised training in journalism and the establishment of the Media Council of Zimbabwe, a regulatory body tasked with upholding media ethics and ensuring that journalists operate within an accountable framework.
Additionally, the Government passed the Cyber and Data Protection Act to improve cybersecurity, instil public confidence in digital platforms and protect sensitive information in an increasingly online-driven world.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to media reform, Dr Muswere said, the Government was finalising the Media Practitioners Bill to enable co-regulation of the media industry and improve the welfare and working conditions of media professionals.
He said to complement the legal reforms, the Government has unveiled the Zimbabwe Media Policy (2025 to 2030), which outlines a comprehensive vision for a modern, inclusive and sustainable media sector.
“Meanwhile, the Government considered and approved the Zimbabwe Media Policy, whose objectives are: to defend Zimbabwe’s image, sovereignty and territorial integrity; to achieve a strong and converged digital economy,” said Dr Muswere.
“It is also meant to promote the growth and development of a vibrant, diverse media industry in Zimbabwe and to transform Zimbabwe’s media landscape through the development of modern, efficient and sustainable infrastructure.
“It seeks to promote professionalism and capacitate the industry; develop and enforce a comprehensive code of ethics in order to raise the standards of media practice in Zimbabwe.
“The policy will also promote media viability and sustainability; nurture and instil national values, ethics and citizenship, thereby promoting a shared understanding of Zimbabwe’s history, vision and developmental aspirations.”
Broadly, the policy will advance and protect Zimbabwe’s national interests and promote the country’s social, economic, cultural and political well-being.
Dr Muswere said the Government recognises the central role of technology in shaping the media, and has revised the National Information and Communication Technology Policy for 2022 to 2027.
This policy prioritises digital inclusion and infrastructure development, especially in underserved areas, with the aim of reducing the digital divide and ensuring that all citizens can access and benefit from information and communication technologies (ICTs).
To support the broader digital transformation agenda, the Government is implementing the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan.
This national strategy promotes the integration of ICTs into various sectors such as the Government, education, health, agriculture, tourism and mining.
The plan is anchored in key pillars, including regulatory reform, shared infrastructure and digital skills development, with the overall goal of fostering sustainable development through smart solutions.
This year’s commemorations ran under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media’’.
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