This year’s theme is: Keeping Her in The Picture, which is precisely what female journalists do through their professional lenses and storytelling. They have told stories of brave women who have survived breast cancer and, at times, their stories of survival.
Media freedom
Election observer missions’ findings on Zimbabwe elections
he Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF) and the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) highlighted the issue of dual accreditation of the media, which impedes the media’s capacity to cover the election. This hinders the citizen’s capacity to make informed choices.
Journalists urgent application referred to ordinary court roll
In its application, YOJA said ZEC had generally failed to put in place important measures and mechanisms relating to media coverage during elections, such as the Media Monitoring Committee.
MEDIA PROFESSIONALISM AND ACCOUNTABILITY DURING ELECTIONS
The media is responsible for providing the public with access to different facts, opinions and ideas and holding authorities and other appropriate officials accountable while promoting the rule of law and respect for human rights.
ZBC publishes elections broadcasting schedule
On 17 July, MISA Zimbabwe wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) requesting the schedule. MISA Zimbabwe then wrote a follow-up letter on 23 July, after which a schedule was published in the local newspapers.
Media freedom critical pillar of free and fair elections
Promoting and respecting the rights of journalists goes a long way in ensuring their safety and security during political gatherings and events, as the media plays a fundamental role in democratisation, accountability and respect for human rights.
DW Akademie Innovation Initiative 2023 for Southern Africa: Focus on AI and data
Journalists and newsroom innovators from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and Lesotho can apply with their ideas to improve their newsroom in the area of AI and data to better serve their audiences.
Patriot Bill signed into law
Prior to its enactment, Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information wrote to President Mnangagwa, advising him against signing the then Bill into law.
ZIMBABWE 2023 ELECTIONS AND BEYOND: Media regulation, Journalism Safety and Security
Sadly, the country continued to witness cases involving the wanton unlawful arrests, assaults, and harassment of journalists with impunity, with none of the perpetrators of these media freedom violations being held accountable or brought to book.
Why Zambia needs ‘pure’ self-regulation mechanism
Self-regulation is standard setting and setting out the proper codes of behaviour for the media and this is necessary to support freedom of expression. These standards are agreed to by the media industry itself and are monitored, with the media being held to account where it deviates from the agreed standards.