Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in KADOMA
GOVERNMENT arms, including the Information Ministry, the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) and drafters from the Attorney-General’s office, have converged in Kadoma to fine-tune parameters for the proposed Media Practitioners’ Bill.
The Bill seeks to provide an operational framework for journalism practice to set them in tandem with the evolving landscape.
It will lay out the standards that qualify one to be a journalist like other professionals, such as lawyers, doctors and nurses, among others.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda, who was represented by his deputy Dr Omphile Marupi, officially opened the Media Practitioners Bill writeshop this morning.
Dr Marupi said the writeshop would reshape the future of journalism in the country.
“Over the next three days, from the 13th to the 15th of April 2026, your collective intellect and experience will shape proposed legislation that will define the future of journalism in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Let me begin by extending my sincere gratitude and acknowledgement to the drafters from the Attorney General’s Office, who are leading the drafting of this bill.
“Their technical rigour, patience, and commitment to constitutional legality are the bedrock upon which this entire exercise rests.”
He reaffirmed the Second Republic’s commitment to a media landscape that is free, responsible, and professional.
The current media landscape, he said, needed to be reformed.
“The Media Practitioners Bill is not an instrument of constraint. On the contrary, it is a vehicle for emancipation, excellence, and ethical renewal,” said Dr Marupi.
“We are here because the status quo is no longer tenable. For too long, the title “journalist” has been claimed by those without training, without ethics, and without accountability. This Bill seeks to establish clear standards of competence, entry qualifications, and continuous professional development.”
The Government, he said, wanted a media corps that was knowledgeable, skilled, and proud of its craft.
Once passed into law, the Bill is expected to entrench professionalism and a demonstrable ability and root out chancers.
Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said the writeshop was for technical consolidation of the draft Media Practitioners Bill.
He said the technical team was now in the writing phase after completion of consultations with stakeholders, including civic society organisations.
Among the participants is State Advocate Mr Jameson Mukararirwa, drafters from AGs office and officials from ZMC.
