We also take this opportunity to congratulate
all the new government ministers and in particular Honourables
Nelson Chamisa the Minister of Information and Communications
Technology and Webster Shamu, the Minister of Media, Information
and Publicity as well as the Deputy Minister of Media, Information
and Publicity, Honourable Jameson Timba.
Cognisant of the immense challenges of the new government and
the nation’s high expectations in addressing the socio-economic
and political problems afflicting the country, MISA-Zimbabwe
remains guided by its mission and vision as enunciated under
the 1991 Windhoek Declaration in its engagement with the new
government and other key stakeholders.
As the new information ministers and the government at large
assume their responsibilities, MISA-Zimbabwe humbly reminds them
of Zimbabwe’s urgent need to fulfil its obligations under
the international treaties and charters that the country has
ratified, among them, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, African
Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, Banjul Declaration on the
Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa, Windhoek Declaration
and African Charter on Broadcasting.
It is also MISA Zimbabwe’s considered view that a free
and unfettered media will undoubtedly play a critical role in
the realisation of all other aspects that are articulated in
the GPA especially the transformation of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting
Corporation (ZBC) from a state to a truly independent Public
Service Broadcaster.
As Zimbabwe painstakingly works towards ushering a new political
dispensation in the context of the inclusive government, MISA-Zimbabwe
urges the new political players to immediately demonstrate their
commitment to freedom of expression, media freedom, justice,
equality, tolerance, openness, non-discrimination and respect
to human dignity through the following concrete actions:
An immediate cessation of the arrests, harassment and torture
of journalists, civic society activists 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 Protection 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.
Recognising the urgent and pressing need for a people driven
consultative constitution-making process that will culminate
in a new democratic constitution that explicitly guarantees media
freedom and access to information.
In making these pleas, MISA-Zimbabwe remains committed to playing
a meaningful role with all progressive forces without any fear
or bias towards the emergence of an environment that allows citizens
to enjoy their fundamental right to freedom of expression, association,
assembly, access to information and media freedom to foster democracy
equality, human dignity and economic prosperity.
Loughty Dube
Chairperson
MISA-Zimbabwe
84 McChlery Drive
Eastlea
Harare
Zimbabwe
Telefax: +263 4 776165/746838
Email: misa@misazim.co.zw
Website: www.misazim.co.zw
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