Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
ZIMBABWE joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, and the occasion became more than just a moment to reflect on media freedoms. It opened up a deeper conversation about the role of the press in shaping a future that is stable, peaceful and firmly grounded in the Constitution.
Observed under the 2026 global theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” the day carried strong meaning for Zimbabwe’s current path. It spoke directly to growing calls for the media to play a more constructive role, not only in telling stories, but in supporting national development, constitutional continuity and reforms such as Amendment Bill No. 3.
World Press Freedom Day was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, drawing from the Windhoek Declaration of 1991, which pushed for a free, independent and diverse media. Over the years, however, the role of the media has become more complex. In a world shaped by fast-changing technology, global tensions and the rise of artificial intelligence, press freedom today is closely tied to responsibility, national stability and development.
In Zimbabwe, this changing environment places the media at a crossroads. On one hand, it must protect freedoms and democratic values. On the other, it is expected to contribute to unity, development and policy continuity. It is a delicate balance, but one that cannot be ignored.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda highlighted this responsibility, calling for a media sector that helps to build the nation rather than divide it.
“The Second Republic, under His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa, has recorded landmark achievements in press freedom,” said Dr Soda, pointing to reforms such as the Freedom of Information Act, the operationalisation of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Zimbabwe Media Policy and the licensing of more than 40 radio stations, including community broadcasters.
“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,” he said.
These developments point to a clear shift towards a more open media environment — one that aligns with global democratic standards while still reflecting the country’s own priorities. However, Dr Soda was quick to point out that greater freedom comes with greater responsibility.
“Press freedom does not mean freedom to lie, to manipulate, or to destroy,” he said, warning about the growing dangers of misinformation, fake news and AI-generated content.
His message comes at a time when information is increasingly being used as a tool to influence and, at times, destabilise societies, particularly in developing countries undergoing reform. In such a setting, the media is not just reporting events; it is also helping to shape public understanding, national stability and constitutional order.
It is within this context that calls for the media to support constitutional continuity and Amendment Bill No. 3 have gained stronger attention. Political analyst and media academic Mr Methuseli Moyo said the day should encourage the media to reflect on its role in national development.
“As Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating this important day, there is a need for introspection within the media fraternity. The global theme speaks to peace, development and security — all of which are anchored on strong constitutional frameworks. The media must therefore play a role in supporting constitutional continuity and helping the public understand reforms such as Amendment Bill No. 3,” he said.
Mr Moyo said that in many established democracies, the media does not operate separately from national interests but often supports constitutional stability while still holding power to account.
“In countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the media, despite its diversity, broadly upholds constitutional principles and national interests. During periods of reform or crisis, there is often a convergence around protecting institutional continuity,” he said.
He pointed to examples in Western countries where sections of the media have supported major reforms, especially in times of national importance or crisis. In the United Kingdom, during the Brexit period, some publications supported what they saw as a return to sovereignty, aligning their editorial stance with the reform process.
In the United States, sections of the media backed security-related legislation following the September 11 attacks, while debates continued. In France, the media has often supported reforms that uphold the constitutional principle of secularism.
In these cases, Press freedom is not only about criticism, but also about responsibly supporting national stability where necessary.
“The idea that supporting national reforms compromises press freedom is a misconception. In fact, responsible journalism involves contextualising reforms, interrogating them constructively and ensuring that the public is well-informed, rather than fuelling confusion or polarisation,” Mr Moyo added.
This view ties in with the broader message of the 2026 theme, which highlights the link between media freedom and development. In Zimbabwe, where constitutional reforms are part of an ongoing process, the media has an important role to play in helping the public understand these changes.
Rather than presenting reforms only as points of conflict, analysts say the media can encourage informed discussion by breaking down complex issues, giving voice to different perspectives and focusing on facts.
Dr Soda echoed this view, stressing the importance of ethical journalism.
“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,” he said.
He also spoke about the need for the media to reflect Zimbabwean values and identity.
“Press freedom must not become an excuse to import and propagate ideas alien to Zimbabwean values, traditions, and way of life. Our rich cultural practices, respect for elders, communal spirit, Ubuntu, languages and heritage, deserve to be honoured,” he said.
This message points to a uniquely Zimbabwean approach to journalism — one that embraces global standards while staying rooted in local values and realities. In the case of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, this means reporting in a way that explains its purpose, impact and role in shaping governance.
To support this direction, Government has introduced a national media literacy programme aimed at helping citizens better understand and engage with information.
“Media literacy is important because press freedom alone is not enough. A free press must be matched by a discerning public,” said Dr Soda.
The programme is expected to play a key role in reducing misinformation while encouraging more informed public participation in national issues.
For Zimbabwe, the connection between press freedom, development and constitutional continuity is not just theory — it is part of everyday life. It reflects the country’s history, its current goals and its future direction.
As the nation continues on its reform journey, the role of the media will be judged not only by how it exposes wrongdoing, but also by how it informs the public, promotes unity and supports progress.
World Press Freedom Day 2026 was therefore more than a commemoration — it was a clear call to action.
It challenges the media to look beyond narrow ideas of freedom and take on a broader role that includes protecting the Constitution, encouraging informed debate and contributing to a stable and prosperous society.
In this context, supporting constitutional continuity and engaging thoughtfully with Amendment Bill No. 3 is not a departure from journalistic duty, but part of it.
As Dr Soda aptly put it, journalism is a “sacred duty”, one that must be carried out with responsibility, integrity and commitment to the national good.
In a world full of uncertainty, that duty has never mattered more.
The message for 2026 is simple and direct: champion the Constitution, protect continuity and help build the future.
Bongani Ndlovu
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi