adminMartha Leboho Herald Correspondent
Political parties and law enforcement agencies have been challenged to ensure the safety of journalists before, during and after the forthcoming harmonised elections.
The call was made by MISA Zimbabwe chairperson Mr Golden Maunganidze during belated World Press Freedom Day celebrations held at Charles Austin Theatre in Masvingo recently.
In a speech read on his behalf by MISA Masvingo chapter chair Mr Passmore Kuzipa, Mr Maunganidze said it was critical to ensure the safety of media practitioners to enable them to effectively cover the harmonised elections.
He said guaranteeing the security of journalists was one of the key pillars of a free, fair and credible plebiscite.
“Security authorities and political parties should also ensure the safety and security of journalists conducting their lawful professional duties before, during and after this year’s election period,” he said.
The MISA chair urged Government to do more and improve the local operating environment for journalists through legislative amendments.
“While we commend the Government for signing the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the Government should, without any further delays, adopt and effect its relevant clauses into domestic laws and policies,” said Mr Maunganidze.
He said MISA wanted laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and Broadcasting Services Act (BSA), among others to be amended to guarantee more freedom in the media.
This year’s Press Freedom Day celebrations in Masvingo were headlined by a soccer match pitting journalists from media houses in the province and media students from the Great Zimbabwe University.
Online Reporter