Press statement.
As NPP Provincial Spokespersons we join the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day. This day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993. It celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate press freedom, advocates in defence of the media from attacks on its independence, and pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in exercise of their profession. It is commemorated on the 3rd of May every year.
This year’s theme is: *Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies*
As NPP Provinces we join the rest of the world in commemorating this day which is not only important to media practitioners but also to the rest of humanity. However, it is unfortunate that as Zimbabwe the media field has not yet witnessed any freedom. The ZANU PF government has enacted an array of bills to thwart any slight media freedom. Press censorship is also the order of the day. Draconian laws mean that Zimbabwe is far from witnessing press freedom. These are some of the media laws that NPP Provincial Information and Publicity Departments have to battle with:
1. *Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act(AIPPA)*
This bill was passed in 2002 and Edison Zvobgo contented that, it was the worst- ever attack on the liberties of Zimbabweans. Zvobgo was later ‘persuaded’ possibly, to accept the bill. The likes of J Moyo defended the bill. Even now, after the new constitution, the same bill still stands and haunts media practitioners. Evidently an assessment of press freedom on this 3rd day of May would clearly prove there is no press freedom in Zimbabwe. AIPPA removed all freedoms. It simply defies even the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic Press. Section 9(4), section 5(3)a, section 9(4)c, section 17(i) and section 11 of AIPPA resists the public rights to access information. The powers to deny access to information as provided by these statutes are too wide and open to abuse. And the ZANU PF government has always been eager to abuse such provisions to suppress press freedom.
2. *Criminal Law(Codification Reform)Act*
This is yet another draconian law. Various sections of this law restricts citizens including journalists, the right to freedom of expression. For instance its section 33 which deals with the offence of undermining the authority or insinuating the president. This act have been open to abuse by ZANU PF, with people being threatened or even charged for things such as simply saying Mugabe is old- when in actual fact its a fact that he is old. Even demographics classify him as a person fit for old people’s homes and for a retiree.
3. *Broadcasting Services Act*
The appointment procedure of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe(BAZ) shows lack of autonomy. This hinders its efficiency and makes it non independent. Though there has been amendments to the act, autonomy of the board remains compromised. Those appointed to this body show inclination towards ZANU PF hence compromising the authority.
All these draconian laws and provisions epitomise the Zimbabwe media landscape, hence making it one of the most repressive in the world. The ZANU PF government in 2002 banned foreign media practitioners from practising in Zimbabwe, media practitioners are harassed day and night and the state media is grossly censored to prevent the public from getting true information.
As NPP Provincial Spokespersons, we are operating under such harsh conditions. ZANU PF runs ZTV and all public radio stations like party stations, denying coverage of opposition parties’ activities. For private TV and radio station operators to get operating licences it is difficult.
As this year’s theme runs: *Critical Minds for Critical times: Media role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies*NPP Provinces are trying hard to move with the rest of the world. Indeed Zimbabwe is under critical times where a dictatorship has tried hard to stifle all freedoms. Our provinces will remain resolute in struggling for press freedom. It is our dream and hope that the dawn for press freedom in Zimbabwe is near since the darkest hour is before dawn.
For those countries which have attained advanced press freedoms, we congratulate you and hope you will always remember that press freedom is a difficult proposition for countries under dictatorship.
We shall continue fighting for our people’s freedom, press freedom included.
*NPP The People’s Party*
A Joint Statement by National People’s Party Provincial Spokespersons. ( All 10 provinces in Zimbabwe)
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