Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo/ Raymond Jaravaza
ZIMBABWE yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day, with the Government highlighting a significant expansion in the country’s media landscape as evidence of growing press freedom and pluralism.
Since 2018, the Second Republic has licensed more than 40 new radio stations across all provinces, including in remote areas such as Binga, Kariba and Mbembesi — a move aimed at decentralising access to information and amplifying community voices.
The development comes amid broader reforms designed to create an enabling environment for independent and responsible journalism, anchored on legal and policy frameworks such as the Freedom of Information Act and the operationalisation of the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
In a statement, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said press freedom must be used to unite rather than divide communities.
He said the Government has also implemented the Zimbabwe Media Policy and improved access to information systems, describing the reforms as a reflection of trust in citizens and recognition of the role of an informed public in a democracy.
“The Second Republic, under His Excellency Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has recorded landmark achievements in press freedom: the progressive Freedom of Information Act, operationalisation of the independent Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Zimbabwe Media Policy, over 40 newly licensed radio stations, including community broadcasters, and a transparent access to information regime,” he said.
“These demonstrate a Government that trusts its people and recognises that an informed citizenry is essential to democracy. Let this freedom be used to celebrate what unites us, even as we respectfully debate our differences.”
Dr Soda however, warned against the misuse of media platforms, citing the growing threat of disinformation, fake news and AI-generated deepfakes, which he said pose risks to social cohesion and national security.
He added that press freedom does not mean freedom to lie, to manipulate, or to destroy. Every journalist, editor, media house, and citizen sharing content online is called upon to uphold the highest ethical standards: verify before sharing, correct mistakes, reject sensationalism, and never become a vehicle for disinformation.
Minister Soda said recognising the growing challenge of disinformation, the Government has now embarked on a national programme to promote media literacy.
“This initiative is designed to equip citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate information, distinguish credible sources from false ones, and identify manipulated content such as deep fakes,” he said.
“Media literacy is important because press freedom alone is not enough. A free press must be matched by a discerning public.”
In response, Government has launched a national media literacy programme aimed at equipping citizens with critical thinking skills to distinguish credible information from false content.
Minister Soda called upon educators, civil society and media houses to partner with Government in rolling out this vital initiative.
He also urged the media to uphold Zimbabwean values, including ubuntu, cultural heritage and respect for community, describing journalism as a “sacred duty” to inform, educate and build the nation.
“Press freedom must not become an excuse to import and propagate ideas alien to Zimbabwean values, traditions, and way of life,” he said.
“Our rich cultural practices respect for elders, communal spirit, ubuntu, languages, and heritage – deserve to be honoured.”
He said the media has a sacred duty to be a custodian of culture, telling stories and celebrating heroes, while critiquing from a place of love for the nation.
Dr Soda said the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services is not an adversary but a partner in building a better Zimbabwe.
“The Second Republic has granted freedom; it must be used wisely. To every media worker, from veteran editor to rookie reporter, community radio volunteer to digital content creator, let us work together, critique constructively, correct lovingly, and never forget that we are building one nation, under one flag, with one future,” he said.
“Happy World Press Freedom Day to all Zimbabwean media practitioners. Your work matters. Your freedom is precious. Protect it, and use it well.”
Meanwhile, in a first in Zimbabwe, a place once defined by finality and death at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison was revived into a platform for second chances where the voices of inmates now carry messages of hope, healing and human dignity.
In a symbolic shift that reflects Zimbabwe’s abolition of the death penalty, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has transformed part of the former execution site into a community radio station, Bridge FM, turning a space of despair into one of restoration.
The station made its debut outside Harare during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) last month.
The transformation follows the landmark decision to abolish capital punishment on December 31, 2024, after President Mnangagwa assented to the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, in a move that has allowed authorities to reimagine the role of correctional facilities in society.
ZPCS national spokesperson Commissioner Meya Khanyezi said the conversion of the gallows into a communication hub reflects a deliberate shift from punishment to rehabilitation.
“Bridge FM is a flagship radio station of the ZPCS that is designed to connect lives, restore dignity and amplify voices from behind the prison walls. The radio station has a radius of 40 kilometres and is also an internet-based radio station, which means anyone around the world can listen in just by logging onto its website,” she said.
Comm Khanyezi said the radio station was established in a partnership with Corporate Chaplaincy Services and is licensed by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe.
“It operates under a Community of Interest licence serving both correctional communities and the public,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu