ZMC holds training on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo (centre) flanked by Zimbabwe Media Commission chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe (left) and provincial secretary Mr Josphat Jaji at the Freedom of Information Act training workshop for public officials.

Walter Nyamukondiwa

Mashonaland West Bureau Chief

The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) is holding a training workshop for provincial heads in Government ministries, departments and agencies to promote the free flow and access to information for the benefit of citizens.

In her remarks, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said Government officials should operationalise provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to better serve the citizenry.

ZMC chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe said the workshop, which will cascade to the districts, was aimed at training Government officials on handling of information and the importance of giving out information to the public.

Prof Magosvongwe said the workshops were aimed at strengthening good governance.

The Freedom of Information Act was promulgated in 2020 and repealed the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and grants citizens the right to access information held by the State and its agencies.

The workshop is being attended by ZMC commissioners, Provincial heads, council officials, journalists and District Development Coordinators (DDC) among others.