Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Heads of public entities, typically the chief executive officers, have the mandate to provide public information upon request in line with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
This came out at a training session for provincial heads of ministries, departments and agencies to promote access to information within public entities.
Zimbabwe Media Commission manager for research, training and development, Mrs Tariro Shoniwa, said many heads of public entities tend to delegate the task of releasing information to public relations officers.
While these roles are important for maintaining a positive public image, they can inadvertently hinder effective access to information, she said.
“The public information officers must have the ability to interpret the law, possess basic information technology skills and be capable of clear communication,” she said.
“This training is crucial for heads of departments, ministries and agencies because they are responsible for collecting and providing accurate information before it is shared by the entity’s head.”
Mrs Shoniwa also identified a notable gap in the Act, which requires information requests to be made formally.
This limitation often results in verbal requests being denied. Efforts are being made to amend this section to facilitate broader access to information.
The training aimed to deepen understanding of the FOIA and reinforce the obligations of public entities within the national access to information framework.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, described the workshop as a cultural shift from passive information management to proactive disclosure and responsive service delivery.
Enacted in 2020, the FOIA replaced the outdated Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).
It enshrines the constitutional right of every Zimbabwean to access information held by public bodies, mandating institutions to appoint information officers and respond to citizen requests promptly, within 21 days.
“As provincial heads, your leadership is vital in disseminating these principles to district and departmental levels,” said Minister Magomo.
The provincial workshop is just the beginning; it will be followed by a series of training sessions at the district level, ensuring that the message of transparency reaches grassroots structures.
ZMC board chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe said the FOIA symbolises a commitment to openness and participatory governance.
“Access to information is not a threat to authority; it is a driver of good governance and a tool for inclusive development,” she stated.
Prof Magosvongwe called on all departments to empower information officers as stipulated by the Act, ensuring timely and lawful responses to public requests.
She stressed that the initiative goes beyond mere compliance; it is about fostering genuine trust, accountability and respect within communities.
Plans are underway for additional training targeting local administrative units.
Permanent Secretary for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Timothy Maregere, said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s commitment to open government and democratic reform.
“This initiative is not only timely but necessary as we strive towards the Government’s vision for a more open, transparent, and accountable public sector,” he said.
Mr Maregere said the FOIA guarantees citizens the constitutional right to access information held by public bodies, which is fundamental for participatory governance and democracy.
