Media Institute of Southern Africa : Promoting Media Diversity . Pluralism . Self-Sufficiency . Independence

We reaffirm civil society's postion on the need for a new people driven constitution that expressly guarantees media freedom as outlined in the Zimbabwe's People's Charter.

MISA Zimbabwe further notes that two of the agenda items outlined in the MOU relate to the 'media' and 'external' radio stations. While we are not privy to the actual contents of the agenda items, we are of the view that the two- week negotiation period should be preceded by an unequivocal and explicit guarantee to the right of freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of the media through the following actions:

An immediate cessation of the arrests, harassment and torture of journalists and media houses reporting on Zimbabwe.
The granting of permission to all media houses (both foreign and local) to cover the political situation as it unfolds.
The suspension and subsequent repealing of all repressive legislation that targets the media and in particular, the Access to Information and Protections of Privacy Act (AIPPA), Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) and the Interception of Communications Act.
An immediate conversion of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation from a state broadcaster into a truly independent public broadcaster as mandated under the guidelines of the African Charter on Broadcasting. This should also be accompanied by a freeing of the airwaves to allow for commercial and community broadcasting.

It is MISA-Zimbabwe's strong submission that in the intervening interim period and in view of these developments all policies relating to the media should be guided and informed by the principles outlined under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights which states that every individual shall have the right to receive information and the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.
The Windhoek Declaration's Article 9 also states that: African states should be encouraged to provide constitutional guarantees of freedom of the press and freedom of association and expression".

MISA Zimbabwe therefore implores the negotiating parties as well as the mediators to remain true to the need for a transitional process that carries the people's confidence. This can only be achieved in an environment that immediately allows citizens to enjoy their fundamental right to freedom of expression, association, assembly, access to information and media freedom.

For more information Contact:

Loughty Dube
Chairperson
MISA-Zimbabwe
84 McChlery Drive
Eastlea
Box HR 8113
Harare
Zimbabwe
Telefax: 00 263 4 77 61 65/ 74 68 38
Email: misa@misazim.co.zw
Website: www.misazim.co.zw

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